Nov 21 (Reuters) - Defense contractor RTX said

on Friday its joint venture Raytheon-Rafael Protection Systems

has secured a $1.25 billion contract to supply Israel with

surface-to-air missiles.

The deal includes missiles, missile kits and test equipment

for Israel's Iron Dome system.

Demand for the company's defense business is strong amid

rising geopolitical tensions around the world.

The companies said a $33 million capital investment has been

used to establish a new facility in East Camden, Arkansas, which

will make missiles for the Iron Dome Weapon System and its U.S.

variant, SkyHunter, a short to medium-range air defense weapon

designed to counter a range of threats.

Last month, RTX raised its annual profit and revenue

forecast on rising demand for its missiles and aftermarket

services.