Raytheon’s SM-6 achieves IOC with US Navy
Raytheon’s Standard Missile-6 has achieved initial operational capability (IOC), with the US Navy deploying the weapon for the first time. The company has delivered more than 50 SM-6 interceptors to the navy under low-rate production contracts.
The SM-6 provides extended range protection against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The interceptor combines the airframe and propulsion of legacy Standard Missiles with the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).
Capt. Mike Ladner, Surface Ship Weapons major program manager, said: ‘We’re very pleased to achieve IOC on schedule. The SM-6, with its ability to extend the battlespace, truly offers improved capability for the warfighter. I’m very proud of the entire Standard Missile team on this historic achievement.’
Taylor W Lawrence, president, Raytheon Missile Systems, added: ‘This is a monumental moment for the SM-6 programme and signifies a new era of fleet defence for our naval warfighters. The SM-6 significantly improves the sailor’s ability to strike at various targets at extended range.’
Raytheon won a contract for $243 million to build 89 new SM-6 interceptors in September, signalling the start of full-rate production.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition]()
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance]()
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.
-
![US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits]()
US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits
A Pentagon push to procure warships from Japanese and South Korean shipyards could reshape allied naval industrial strategy, but critics warn the approach risks hollowing out the domestic base Washington is seeking to restore.
-
![Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA]()
Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA
The accelerated delivery of the final Flight IIA destroyer, USS Patrick Gallagher, showcases the payoff of years of workforce investment and process reform at Bath Iron Works, with the lessons feeding into Flight III production.
