Australia seeks SM-2 Block IIIB
The US State Department is considering a possible $301 million foreign military sale (FMS) of SM-2 Block IIIB standard missiles and associated equipment and support to Australia, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 31 May.
Australia has requested up to 80 SM-2 Block IIIB standard missile, vertical launching tactical all-up rounds, RIM-66M-09; and up to 15 Mk 97 SM-2 Block IIIB guidance sections. The request also includes Vertical Launching System canisters, technical documentation and operator manuals, along with contractor engineering, logistics and technical support services.
Australia wants the equipment for anti-air warfare test firings during the qualification trials of the three Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD) currently being built for the Royal Australian Navy. The SM-2 Block IIIB missiles combined with the vessels' Aegis combat system will enhance the area defence capabilities of the AWDs over Southeast Asian air-and-sea communication lines.
Australia has already integrated SM-2 Block IIIA missiles on its Perry-class FFG frigates, and in-country maintenance facilities have been upgraded with new guided missile test equipment capable of maintaining the SM-2 All-Up Round.
If the sale goes ahead the principal contractors of the potential sale will be Raytheon Missile Systems and BAE Systems.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
-
![Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details]()
Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was designed to answer two questions: What is needed to fix UK defence and make it fit for the 2040s, and what do you get for a fixed financial profile? The SDR outlines that work still needs to be done on specifics.
