US to Produce Thousands of Missiles Annually, Including Tomahawk and SM-6, Amid Rising China Threat?

Washington: The United States has announced a major ramp-up in missile production, signaling a significant enhancement of its strike capabilities. The Pentagon has signed five separate defense framework agreements with Raytheon to boost missile development and manufacturing over the next seven years.

Production Targets

Under the new agreements:

• Tomahawk cruise missiles: Annual production is set to increase from 50 units to over 1,000—a 20-fold surge—allowing the US to conduct sustained strike operations if needed.
• AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles: Production will rise to at least 1,900 units per year. These missiles are widely used by NATO and non-NATO fighter aircraft and also serve as interceptors in the NASAMS air defense system.
• SM-6 missiles: Production will quadruple from 125 to 500 units annually. These advanced surface-to-air missiles are capable of countering hypersonic threats, including Russian Kinzhal and Zircon missiles.
• SM-3 Block IIA/IIB interceptors: Production expansion is planned, particularly for the new Block IIB variant, which forms a key part of NATO’s ballistic missile defense architecture, integrated into the Aegis Ashore system.

Strategic Significance

The increase in production rates—ranging from two- to twenty-fold depending on the missile type—demonstrates the US focus on strengthening its conventional and missile defense capabilities. The Tomahawk program, in particular, sees the most dramatic increase, reflecting the priority given to sustained long-range strike readiness.

Implications for Ukraine and Global Security

These missiles are also critical for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukraine’s defense forces utilize AIM-120 missiles in NASAMS air defense systems and F-16 fighter aircraft, with future integration planned for Gripen fighter jets. While the US is not directly supplying these missiles yet, allied nations can place orders for Ukraine under the PURL initiative, gradually increasing operational support over the coming years.

The accelerated missile production comes amid growing concerns over China’s military expansion, suggesting that the US is preparing to maintain strategic readiness across multiple potential theaters of conflict.