Tucson-based Raytheon Missile Systems has won a $569 million Air Force contract to provide Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) missiles and related items, the Defense Department said Wednesday.
The contract pays for current fiscal year production of 234 AMRAAM AIM-120D missiles, the latest version; and 203 AIM-120C7 missiles for foreign military sales. The contract also includes related items including test missiles, warranties, parts, software and support services.
The AMRAAM AIM-120D is the latest in a 20-year-old series of air-to-air missiles. The all-weather weapon provides an array of improvements, including an enhanced data link, improved navigation and guidance.
The system is in testing by the Air Force for use by the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, Raytheon spokesman Mike Nachshen said.
A decision to formally field the weapon is expected later this year.
Meanwhile, AMRAAM funding for next year is still unclear.
Earlier this year, congressional budget writers proposed slashing the Pentagon's $498 million 2012 fiscal-year request for AIM-120D procurement by nearly 90 percent, citing delivery backlogs. The 2012 defense budget has not been finalized.
The Defense Department also said Wednesday that Raytheon was awarded a $162 million Navy contract to provide supplies and services to U.S. allies in support of the Phalanx Close-In-Weapon System, an automated ship-defense gun system.
The contract involves foreign military sales to Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Japan, Poland and Bahrain, the Pentagon said.
Contact Assistant Business Editor David Wichner at dwichner@azstarnet.com or 573-4181.
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