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RTX Corporation’s RTX business unit, Raytheon, recently won a modification contract to aid the AIM-9X missile program. The award has been offered by the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD.
Details of RTX’s Deal
Valued at $1.10 billion, the contract is expected to be completed by October 2028. Per the terms of the deal, RTX will support production and delivery of the 25th lot of AIM-9X missiles and related systems, including 1,756 AIM-9X-4 Block II missiles, along with a handful of AIM-9X-5 Block II missiles, Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), Special Air Training Missiles, Data Air Test Missiles, Multi-Purpose Training Missile, sectionalization kits, tactical maintenance kits, and other support equipment.
The work related to this deal will be executed in multiple locations across the United States as well as Heilbronn, Germany. Through this contract, the company will serve the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army and Foreign Military Sales customers.
What’s Favoring RTX Stock?
RTX’s AIM-9X is a sophisticated short-range air-to-air and surface-to-air missile, which is also capable of tracking infrared light. Its latest model, Block II, comes with improved electronics and upgraded in-flight safety.
The missiles are designed for installation on a variety of modern aircraft, ranging from F-15C Eagle, F-22 Raptor to F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets.
Such notable features must have been enabling RTX to secure contracts for these missile systems from the Pentagon and other U.S. allies, the latest contract being an example.
RTX’s Growth Prospects
Rising military conflicts and border disputes have led nations to increase their focus on national security, particularly on missile defense systems, in recent times, backed by the rapid development of advanced missile technologies over the last decade.
This is likely to have prompted the Mordor Intelligence firm to forecast a compound annual growth rate of 5% for the global missiles and missile defense system market during the 2025-2030 period.
Such massive growth projections offer a strategic advantage to RTX, which has a handful of combat-proven missiles in its product portfolio, like the TOW missile, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, Tomahawk, SM- 2 and a few more, in addition to the AIM-9X.
Prospects for RTX’s Peers
Other defense companies that are likely to enjoy the perks of the expanding missiles and missile system market have been discussed below:
Northrop Grumman NOC: Northrop Grumman provides high-speed, long-range strike weapons like the AARGM-ER, which is a supersonic, air-launched tactical missile system. It also builds advanced missile defense technology, ranging from command systems to directed energy weapons, advanced munitions and powerful sensors.
The company’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate is 3.3%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NOC’s 2025 sales indicates year-over-year growth of 2.8%.
The Boeing Company BA: It manufactures various missile defense systems, including the Ground-based Midcourse Defense, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense and Avenger. Boeing-built missile defense systems have been protecting its customers for nearly 25 years against threats ranging from intercontinental ballistic missiles to hostile aircraft.
The company has a long-term earnings growth rate of 18.1%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BA’s 2025 sales indicates year-over-year growth of 25.6%.
Lockheed Martin LMT: Lockheed Martin’s missile defense program includes the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 and Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense air and missile defense programs. It also manufactures the Multiple Launch Rocket System, the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile and Javelin tactical missiles.
The company has a long-term earnings growth rate of 10.5%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LMT’s 2025 sales indicates year-over-year growth of 4.6%.
