Arms manufacturer Raytheon is facing challenges in meeting Ukraine’s demands for Stinger anti-air missiles as it has reportedly lost the knowledge necessary to produce them. In an interview with Defense One, Wes Kremer, the president of Raytheon’s missile division, revealed that the company has enlisted retired employees to restart production. The Stinger missile launchers, based on a design by General Dynamics, were first built in 1978 and production ceased in 2003.
The demand for Stingers in Ukraine has surged since the start of the conflict with Russia, with more than 1,700 missiles being taken from US stocks and sent to Kiev. However, this has accounted for over 13 years’ worth of production, creating a shortage for Raytheon. Despite being awarded a $624 million contract by the Pentagon last summer to deliver 1,700 Stingers by 2026, Kremer stated that it will take 30 months before the first missiles can be produced due to a lack of knowledge among the current employees.
To overcome this challenge, Raytheon has brought back retired employees in their 70s to teach the new workforce how to build the Stinger missiles. In addition, the company is having to retrieve test equipment from warehouses and update outdated components. Many of the electronic components used in the Stinger are now obsolete, requiring a redesign of circuit cards and componentry. Kremer acknowledged that this process takes a significant amount of time.
The situation highlights the complex nature of maintaining technological expertise in the defense industry. With such specialized knowledge required, Raytheon’s reliance on retired employees underscores the difficulties in transferring knowledge from generation to generation. The loss of this knowledge poses challenges not only for meeting current demands but also for future innovations and advancements in missile technology.
Raytheon’s struggle to meet Ukraine’s demands for Stingers raises questions about the overall supply and readiness of defense systems in the face of geopolitical conflicts. As tensions continue to escalate, countries are increasingly reliant on weapons manufacturers like Raytheon to provide essential military equipment. Ensuring an adequate supply and the ability to produce advanced weaponry is crucial for national security and defense strategies.
In conclusion, Raytheon’s loss of knowledge in producing Stinger anti-air missiles highlights the challenges faced by the defense industry in maintaining expertise and keeping up with demand. The reliance on retired employees and the need to update outdated components exemplify the complexities involved in manufacturing advanced weaponry. This situation also raises broader questions about the supply and readiness of defense systems in geopolitical conflicts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust and adaptable defense industry.
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