Core Insights - Raytheon, a unit of RTX Corp., has expanded its partnership with Avio USA to accelerate the development of the Mk 104 dual-thrust rocket motor, essential for the Standard Missile program, with a purchase order valued at up to $26 million [1][2] Group 1: Partnership and Development - The new order will support Critical Design Review milestones, acquisition of long-lead materials, and enhance manufacturing capacity for solid rocket motors [2][3] - The partnership aims to reinforce supply chain strength and production readiness by implementing second sourcing for critical materials, thereby enhancing the ability to meet customer demand [3] Group 2: Technical Milestones and Production Readiness - Early technical milestones have been completed, including a System Requirements Review and Preliminary Design Review, with the next phase focusing on full qualification and readiness for scaled production [3] - The demand for missile defense systems is expected to grow globally, prompting this advancement [3] Group 3: Broader Strategic Efforts - This deal is part of RTX's broader strategy to strengthen its defense portfolio across propulsion and aerospace technologies [4] - The Pratt & Whitney unit of RTX has recently completed critical engine testing for collaborative combat aircraft, indicating a push towards next-generation military capabilities [4] Group 4: Recent Testing Achievements - Raytheon has also completed testing of a ground-launched prototype of its StormBreaker smart weapon, which was developed and flight-tested in just 50 days, successfully reaching around 20,000 feet during trials [5]