Pentagon signs $22.9 billion contract to buy Tomahawk missiles from Raytheon

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 (YPA) – The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Monday a $22.9 billion contract with Raytheon for Tomahawk missiles, amid reports of dwindling ammunition stockpiles due to the war with Iran.

Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hong Kao said the contract will allow for an unprecedentedly rapid delivery of Tomahawk missiles to our combat forces.

In a statement, he added “It is essential to ensure our naval and combined forces have the lethal firepower they need to deter aggression and defend the homeland,” noting that the department is using “all available tools to meet the requirements of our current operations.”

An analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), published last month, reported that U.S. stockpiles of Patriot and THAAD missiles have declined sharply due to the war with Iran.

According to the center, Washington had more than 2,300 Patriot missiles and more than 450 THAAD missiles before the outbreak of the war in late February, but these numbers have decreased by about half or more during the months of fighting.

The Washington Post reported this month that President Donald Trump demanded explanations from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding ammunition shortages during a Cabinet meeting.