The US Department of Defense has contracted defence manufacturer Raytheon to significantly increase production of Tomahawk cruise missiles (long-range, precision-guided weapons central to US naval and air strike operations) at an unprecedented scale and speed. The multibillion-dollar deal has raised questions among military analysts about whether the United States is facing critical shortfalls in its munitions stockpiles. Experts warn the move could accelerate a global arms race, though Pentagon officials argue faster production is essential to maintaining strategic readiness.