The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) signed a contract with the military industry company Lockheed Martin to produce the “HIMARS” missile launch system, worth $1.90 billion.
The administration stated that the deadline for completing the order is 31 May 2028, and the work location and financing will be determined according to the details of each specific order under this contract.
The Pentagon did not reveal other details about the contract, nor did it specify the number of missile systems that were agreed upon under the contract.
They recently affirmed Washington’s efforts to expand cooperation with Gulf countries to counter the threats posed by the Houthis in the region.
The Pentagon clarified in a statement that meetings of defence working groups between the GCC and the US were held in Riyadh to enhance cooperation against aerial and maritime threats. It added that these meetings are of great importance amid a phase of challenges, particularly with the growing threats from “Iranian proxies.”
It noted that the Houthis possess weapons capable of reaching the Mediterranean Sea, but no attacks have been detected in that area yet, indicating that Iran’s destabilizing and dangerous behaviour has prompted further cooperation between Washington’s partners and given momentum to Gulf-American defence working group meetings.
Earlier this year, the Pentagon finalized a $68.4 million contract with Raytheon, the defense-industrial company, for the production and supply of 50 air-to-ground missiles to Taiwan.
“Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $68,420,396 modification (P00001) to a firm-fixed-price order (N0001924F2560)”
“This modification exercising an option for the production and delivery of 50 Joint Standoff Weapon Air-To-Ground Missiles (AGM-154 Block III C) for the government of Taiwan,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
The contract’s work is anticipated to conclude by March 2028, per the statement.
