Nov 12, 2025 - World

RTX missiles could be made and maintained in the Netherlands

Colin Demarest

Two men in camouflage uniforms working on a mounted missile on an overcast day, one inspecting the missile closely and the other supporting it, both wearing hearing protection. — Aircraft armament systems specialists remove an inert AIM-120 from an F-16 in Florida. Photo: Halley Clark/DVIDS

RTX is exploring production of its AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile in the Netherlands, following a go-ahead from the U.S. government.

Why it matters: Such an arrangement would likely strengthen transatlantic ties and boost stockpiles.

State of play: The study, commencing next year, will consider how Dutch industry can contribute to the manufacture, assembly and maintenance of the missiles, according to the country's defense ministry.

"Scaling up production is essential to continuing support for Ukraine and defending NATO territory," it said in a statement.

Friction point: An RTX spokesperson declined to answer Axios' questions, referring them instead to the U.S. government, "which oversees those discussions."

Flashback: The State Department in September approved the potential sale of up to 232 AIM-120C-8 to the Netherlands.

The deal was valued at $570 million.

Go deeper: Business groups pledge improved NATO industrial output

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RTX missiles could be made and maintained in the Netherlands

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