Raytheon Secures Contract to Continue Production of TOW Anti-Tank Missiles for US Army.

American Company Raytheon, a key division of RTX, has been awarded by the U.S. Army a combined $676 million in contracts to continue manufacturing the TOW® (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wireless-guided) anti-tank weapon system for the U.S. Army. The company announced that the funding will sustain its active TOW missile production line, reinforcing the United States anti-tank capabilities and further supporting global land forces.
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U.S. paratroopers assigned to Destined Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) out of Vicenza, Italy, fire a TOW 2B missile during a live-fire exercise. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The contracts include $430 million for fiscal year 2023 and an additional $246 million awarded in 2024. According to Raytheon, the production facility can manufacture up to 10,000 TOW missiles annually, ensuring rapid replenishment of stocks for both domestic and allied forces.

Raytheon is not only maintaining its production lines but also enhancing the TOW anti-tank missile's capabilities to meet evolving battlefield demands. Recent improvements include modernized fuzing and advanced target detection technology, both of which were successfully validated during the latest TOW 2B variant's fly-to-buy lot acceptance tests. These upgrades bolster the missile's performance in urban warfare, providing faster target engagement and increased effectiveness against a wide range of adversary targets.

The TOW 2B represents a significant upgrade over previous versions of the TOW anti-tank missile system, particularly in how it engages armored targets. Earlier variants, like the TOW 2A, primarily relied on a direct attack mode, striking the sides or frontal areas of enemy vehicles, which often feature the heaviest armor. In contrast, the TOW 2B uses a top-attack profile, where the missile flies over the target and fires its explosively formed penetrators downward, striking the tank or vehicle at its most vulnerable point—typically the roof, where armor is thinner. This capability is supported by advanced sensors and fuzing mechanisms that detect the optimal moment to engage the target.

Additionally, the TOW 2B's dual warhead design improves its effectiveness against reactive armor, providing superior penetration and lethality compared to earlier models. This makes the TOW 2B particularly valuable in countering modern tanks and armored vehicles, which increasingly incorporate sophisticated armor protection systems.

"The TOW anti-tank missilee system remains combat-proven, and these latest enhancements ensure it continues to excel in complex engagements, particularly in anti-tank operations," said Tom Laliberty, President of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon.

The TOW  missile has seen extensive service since its inception, with over 700,000 systems delivered to U.S. and international forces. It has been a critical asset in various conflicts, being deployed in combat more than 11,000 times since 2003. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Defense has provided Ukraine with approximately 13,000 TOW missiles to assist in its defense efforts amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

One of TOW’s strengths is its compatibility with multiple platforms, including manned and unmanned vehicles. It can be integrated into the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), the Stryker anti-tank guided missile vehicle, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and various other light armored vehicles, making it a versatile tool for different combat scenarios.

Raytheon's ongoing modernization of the TOW missile system positions it to meet future defense challenges. The updates also include improvements in the missile's design and packaging, ensuring that it complies with modern military environmental standards and is more resilient to varied terrain and logistical demands.

The continued investment in TOW fortifies the U.S. Army and Marine Corps and addresses the needs of international allies, many of whom rely on the system for deterrence and defense.

The TOW missile will be produced and assembled in Raytheon’s facilities in Tucson, Arizona. The company is poised to meet the global demand for this highly effective anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system. As land forces worldwide face increasingly sophisticated armored threats, the TOW system remains a vital asset in securing battlefield superiority.

Raytheon’s $676 million contract to continue producing the TOW weapon system underlines the importance of this combat-proven anti-tank missile in modern warfare. With ongoing enhancements and a flexible platform integration capability, the TOW system ensures that U.S. and allied forces are equipped with one of the most advanced anti-armor weapons available. This contract also emphasizes the U.S. military’s ongoing commitment to maintaining cutting-edge defense capabilities in a rapidly evolving global security environment.