US defense contractor Raytheon announced it has signed an agreement with Kentucky-based Phoenix Products, Inc. (PPI) for the production of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM).
The two sides signed a contract under the US Department of Defense’s Mentor-Protégé program and will see PPI produce NSM transport containers under a $1.6 million US Navy contract.
Raytheon and Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, will train and support PPI in technical, quality and management processes.
The mentor-protégé program provides large businesses with incentives to help smaller ones develop technical and operating capabilities to be more competitive with DoD programs. The three-year agreement with PPI marks progress in Raytheon’s domestic production of the missile designed by Norway’s defense leader Kongsberg.
“Raytheon is partnering with small and disadvantaged businesses to help them succeed and contribute to our industry,” said Kim Ernzen, Raytheon Air Warfare Systems vice president. “NSM production is bringing jobs and revenue to a growing network of US suppliers, and it is all the more meaningful when the work makes a significant impact in a local community. It’s a win for everyone.”
PPI’s experience manufacturing similar containers makes it an ideal fit for Raytheon’s latest production needs.
“The program will enable PPI to take the next steps to be a fully capable aerospace container and ground support equipment manufacturer,” said Tom Wilson, PPI president. “It will help ensure we continue to employ highly capable people and train local residents with significant skill sets for now and in the future.”
NSM is a long-range, precision strike missile that can detect and destroy land and sea targets at ranges in excess of 100 nautical miles. In May 2018, Raytheon was awarded a US Navy contract to manufacture and deliver the over-the-horizon weapon system for the navy’s littoral combat ships and future frigates.