The US Pentagon has awarded seven-year contracts to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) and Lockheed Martin.
The contracts aim to increase the production of key missile components.
They will also help speed up deliveries for two major US air defence programs.
Focus on THAAD and Patriot Missiles
The Pentagon said the contracts will support the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) program.
They will also support the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptor program.
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Both systems play an important role in US missile defence.
The new contracts focus on critical subcomponents used by these systems.
Pentagon Seeks Faster Deliveries
According to the Pentagon, the contracts will increase production volumes.
They will also shorten delivery times for key components.
The move comes as the United States works to strengthen its missile defence supply chain.
Higher production capacity could help the military respond more quickly to future demand.
Major Defence Companies Involved
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and Lockheed Martin are major US defence contractors.
Both companies work on a range of military systems and technologies.
The latest contracts will expand their role in supplying components for US missile defence programs.
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The seven-year period also provides longer-term support for production.
Growing Demand for Air Defence
The United States has placed greater focus on missile defence in recent years.
The US military uses systems such as THAAD and Patriot to defend against different missile threats.
Meanwhile, demand for air and missile defence systems has increased among the United States and its allies.
The Pentagon’s latest move is aimed at meeting that demand while improving production speed.
The contracts therefore mark another step in Washington’s effort to strengthen its missile defence capabilities.
