New York ? Defense contractor Raytheon Corp. said it was in talks with the Navy to accelerate production of the next generation of Tomahawk cruise missiles after two weeks of war in Iraq have depleted stocks of the existing model.

In response to queries from the Navy, Lexington, Mass.-based Raytheon has said it could accelerate production of the new Tactical Tomahawks, to be manufactured in Tucson, Ariz., from 38 to 50 per month if funding becomes available, Raytheon spokeswoman Jennifer Allen said Wednesday.

The Navy has said it planned to spend as much as $2 billion for 1,353 of the weapons, which are scheduled to become operational in summer 2004. That date could be brought forward.

Raytheon, which has a plant in Wichita, is under two contracts totaling $260.5 million to build 192 of the new missiles.

Allen said it was unknown whether the Navy would order further missiles or just ask for accelerated delivery of those under contract. Raytheon shares were up 8 cents to close at $28.96 Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange.