The US Department of Defense has signed seven-year framework agreements with Boeing and RTX aimed at expanding manufacturing capacity for components used in SM-3 Block IB and Block IIA missile interceptors.The SM-3 family is a major element of the Navy’s sea-based ballistic-missile-defense capability and is deployed through the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.Boeing is expected to increase output of avionics and ejector assemblies under the agreements. Initial production can proceed while negotiations continue on a broader multi-year procurement arrangement.The effort is part of Washington’s wider strategy to strengthen defense production capacity and speed up the availability of critical interceptors. It follows a major Lockheed Martin contract worth as much as $53.86 billion for expanded PAC-3 MSE production.The Navy is also pursuing the integration of PAC-3 MSE technology into the Aegis architecture, potentially adding another layer to ship-based air and missile defenses.Separately, Lockheed Martin is expanding manufacturing of THAAD interceptors, further illustrating the US effort to increase production across multiple missile-defense programs.
