US Army Awards $676 Million in Contracts to Raytheon for TOW 2B Anti-Tank Missiles
The US Army has officially awarded Raytheon a pair of significant production contracts for the TOW 2B anti-tank missile system, with a total value of $676 million. The contracts, which cover fiscal years 2023 and 2024, are valued at $430 million and $246 million, respectively.
Tom Laliberty, president of Raytheon’s Land and Air Defense Systems, highlighted the company’s robust production capabilities, stating, "Our TOW production line is active, and we can manufacture up to 10,000 missiles annually." He emphasized that the TOW missile system is combat-proven and designed to meet the current and future anti-tank guided missile requirements for the US Army, Marine Corps, and land forces globally.
The TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wirelessly-guided) anti-armor missile is renowned for its effectiveness in various combat scenarios, including anti-armor, anti-bunker, and anti-fortification missions. It boasts the fastest detection time in its category, with an impressive operational range of approximately 3,750 meters (12,303 feet). The missile is compatible with multiple platforms, including manned and unmanned vehicles such as the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, the Stryker anti-tank guided missile vehicle, and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Additionally, the TOW missile system has been adapted for use on several attack helicopters across at least 13 nations.
The TOW 2B variant incorporates critical design enhancements, featuring modernized fusing and target detection upgrades. These improvements facilitate quick target engagement times and enhance the missile’s performance in complex urban environments, allowing it to engage a variety of targets effectively. Laliberty noted that advancements in the overall missile design and packaging would ensure compliance with the latest military environmental standards, which support emerging logistical and terrain challenges.
Since its introduction, Raytheon has delivered over 700,000 TOW missiles to the US and allied militaries, with approximately 13,000 units supplied to Ukraine to aid in its defense efforts. The latest contracts reflect the ongoing demand for advanced anti-tank capabilities in modern warfare.
