WASHINGTON

The Pentagon said Wednesday it reached a framework deal with Boeing and Lockheed Martin aimed at tripling the production capacity for critical missile components.

The seven-year agreement focuses on increasing output of seekers used in the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), a key interceptor in the nation’s layered missile defense system.

The Pentagon said the announcement aligns with the defense buildup strategy by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who have emphasized the need to create an “Arsenal of Freedom,” a revitalized, high-capacity defense production network capable of meeting modern threats.

"To build a true Arsenal of Freedom, we must strengthen every link in the chain," said Michael Duffey, under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, according to the statement.

"We are moving beyond the old model and forging direct partnerships with critical suppliers to ensure the entire defense industrial base is postured to expand production and deliver the decisive capabilities our warfighters need at speed and scale," he added.