WALTHAM (Realist English). Themilitary conflict in the Ukraine will prompt governments to refocus on buying conventional weapons, on top of next-generation high-tech systems, as they reassess global threats, Greg Hayes, CEO of Raytheon, one of the Pentagon’s five largest defense contractors, said in an interview with the Financial Times.
He expects “a change in procurement priorities” over the next two years as governments seek to replenish weapons stocks that have been depleted as a result of the conflict, but also as they “rethink what the threat environment is.”
Since the beginning of the Russian special operation on the former Ukrainian territory, the United States has argued that the Indo-Pacific region remains their main defense and strategic priority, where priority is given to naval and air systems, and ground systems are given priority. Defense experts believe that now a dual approach is needed.
According to Hayes, Western countries will need more conventional weapons systems to deter Russia. He believes that along the border defensive systems such as Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, anti-missile and anti-aircraft systems will be required.
“What this military conflict in Ukraine has shown is that some of the older technology, which had not been the focus, is actually still viable in terms of defending a country,” Hayes said.
Raytheon Technologies is engaged in research, development and manufacturing of products with advanced technologies in aerospace and defense industries, including aircraft engines, avionics, aircraft platforms, cybersecurity, guided missiles, air defense systems, satellites and drones. The company is a major military contractor, receiving a significant portion of its revenue from the U.S. government.
