Raytheon Secures $579M US Army Contract for Stinger Anti-Aircraft Missiles
The US Army has awarded Raytheon a $578.6-million contract to procure Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, along with related equipment and support.
Deliveries are scheduled through September 29, 2031.
The contract follows a $624-million production award to Raytheon in 2022 to replenish the 1,300 Stingers supplied to Ukraine for its defense against Russia’s invasion.
Fielded since 1981, the Stinger man-portable air-defense system was out of active production for nearly two decades until recent demand.
The infrared-homing surface-to-air missile has an effective range of approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) and can engage targets at altitudes up to 11,500 feet (3,500 meters).
Surge in Demand
In addition to the Ukraine war, potential Foreign Military Sales of the missiles include orders from Morocco and Egypt, while the German Parliament has approved its purchase.
Taiwan has also announced plans to procure around 2,000 Stinger missiles from the US amid rising tensions with China.
To help meet its increased popularity, Raytheon has partnered with Germany’s Diehl Defence to jointly produce key components of the missile in Europe.
Meanwhile, the Stinger is undergoing a service life extension program, with 1,900 missiles refurbished last year, even as its replacement, the Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor, is under development.
