US awards $24.4B missile contract and deploys third carrier group to Middle East
The United States awarded Raytheon a $24.4 billion contract to accelerate production of SM‑6 missiles for anti‑air and anti‑surface warfare, covering five years with two optional extensions. The Pentagon also announced the deployment of roughly 9,000 soldiers on a fleet that includes a third aircraft carrier, raising the number of carrier groups in the Middle East to three for the first time since 2003.1,2
The missile contract is linked to an anticipated reduced inventory of interceptors for several years. The buildup of missiles and carrier presence reflects heightened US military activity in the region. This increased activity may disrupt commercial flight routes over Middle East airspace near Tehran’s airports.1,2