Air Force contracts Raytheon for missiles

TUCSON, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Raytheon has been awarded a $412 million contract for the production of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles for the U.S. Air Force.

Under the deal, Raytheon will supply the Air Force with AIM-120D air-to-air missiles. The announced contract also includes AIM-120C7 missiles which will be produced for the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

Delivery of the missile order is expected to begin in 2010. Officials say while the AIM-120C7 successfully completed evaluation testing in 2007, the AIM-120D is currently under development by Raytheon.

The AIM-120D is expected to add improved electronic capabilities and global position technologies, among other advancements.

"In addition to the advanced medium-range air-to-air missile's unmatched capability and reliability, Raytheon provides its customers continuous support and upgrades throughout the missile's life cycle," Jim Knox, Raytheon missile systems AMRAAM program director, said in a statement.

"The U.S. and its allies have demonstrated in recent conflicts that AMRAAM is the cornerstone for establishing air supremacy above the battlefield."