SM-3 Block IIA completes second test
The US Navy and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) have successfully completed the second intercept flight test of Raytheon's Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA.
The missile was launched from USS John Finn against a land-launched target resembling an advanced ballistic missile threat.
The next-generation SM-3 Block IIA interceptor is being developed and produced in cooperation with Japanese industry and will be deployable on land as well as at sea. It features larger rocket motors that will allow it to defend broader areas from ballistic missile threats and a larger kinetic warhead. The interceptor’s kinetic warhead has been enhanced, improving search, discrimination, acquisition and tracking functions
Taylor Lawrence, president, Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘This second intercept for the SM-3 Block IIA is a success we share with the MDA and the country of Japan, our cooperative development partners. Together, we are building the most advanced solutions for ballistic missile defence.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover]()
Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover
Alongside progress on its Lionfish contracts, Leonardo emphasised its shift in focus from traditional larger calibre systems toward smaller calibre solutions, epitomised by the X-Gun’s inception in 2017.
-
![SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy]()
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
![Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD]()
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
