RTX subsidiary Raytheon is expanding its partnership with European defense companies as it works to double production of the Stinger surface-to-air missile.
The initiative builds on an August 2025 memorandum of understanding focused on manufacturing Stinger missiles in Europe. Under the agreement, Diehl Defence will produce the missile’s guidance section and procure related components from European suppliers.
Raytheon is also collaborating with manufacturers in the Netherlands to produce additional key missile assemblies, while final integration, testing, and completion of the Stinger systems will be performed within the country.
By increasing regional production capacity, Raytheon aims to satisfy rising demand from European militaries and strengthen support for future contracts through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
The FIM-92 Stinger is a man-portable, shoulder-fired air defense missile designed to intercept low-altitude aerial threats, including helicopters and drones. Introduced into US Army service in 1981, the missile has experienced renewed demand due to its proven operational effectiveness in Ukraine and the increasing use of drones in modern warfare. At the same time, the US Army is pursuing development of the Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI) as a future successor to the Stinger system.
