Washington, Sept. 29 -- The US Department of War has announced that it awarded Raytheon a contract valued at up to USD 20.7 billion for the production of AMRAAM missiles destined for American and allied forces, securing a long-term framework to scale up weapons manufacturing.

The contract was formally awarded on September 25 and made public three days later, spanning a five-year period with options for an additional two years. Officials clarified that the USD 20.7 billion figure represents the maximum potential value rather than an immediate expenditure.

Describing the initiative as a joint investment, the department noted participation from the US Air Force, the Navy, and international partners acquiring systems through the Foreign Mil...