Raytheon from US to produce more Stinger air defense missile weapons for Ukraine


According to information published on May 27, 2022, American company Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies business, was awarded a $624 million U.S. Army contract to produce 1,300 Stinger surface-to-air missiles under the Ukraine Supplemental contract. The contract includes provisions for engineering support, as well as the test equipment and support needed to address obsolescence, modernize key components, and accelerate production.
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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael J. Williams, a low altitude air defense (LAAD) gunner, with the 2nd LAAD Battalion, fires an FIM- 92 Stinger missile during a live-fire training exercise on Camp Lejeune, N.C., on Oct. 10, 2017. (Picture source U.S. DoD)


"We're aligned with the U.S. Army on a plan that ensures we fulfill our current foreign military sale order while replenishing Stingers provided to Ukraine and accelerating production," said Wes Kremer, president of Raytheon Missiles & Defense. "The funding will be used to enhance Stinger's producibility in an effort to meet the urgent need for replenishment."

The combat-proven Stinger is a lightweight, self-contained air defense missile system that can be rapidly deployed by ground troops. Its supersonic speed, agility and highly accurate guidance and control system give the weapon an operational edge against cruise missiles and all classes of aircraft.

The contract is being funded from the Ukraine Supplemental, which contains emergency funding to support Ukrainian defense forces. Raytheon Missiles & Defense continues to work closely with the U.S. Army and its supplier partners to rapidly support the growing demand for Stinger.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the United States has delivered a total of 1,400 Stinger man-portable anti-aircraft missile weapons. 

The Stinger FIM-92 weapon system is a man-portable, shoulder-fired, supersonic missile system also called MANPADS designed to counter highspeed, low-level, ground-attack aircraft. Stinger is effective against helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and observation and transport aircraft.

The missile has a length of 1.52 m and a diameter of 70 mm with 100 mm in fins. The missile itself weighs 10.1 kg, while the missile with its launch tube and integral sight, fitted with a grip stock and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) antenna, weighs approximately 15.2 kg. It has a firing range of up to 4,800 m and can engage aerial threats at an altitude up to 3,800 m.