MDA extends SM-3 Block IIA work until December 2022
SM-3 Block IIA pictured in a test firing. (Photo: MDA)
Raytheon will upgrade, integrate, and test SM-3 Block IIA flight test round software under latest MDA contract modification.
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in the US has extended until the end of 2022 a contract for Raytheon to provide long-lead materiel for the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA missile and related support efforts.
The value of the SM-3 Block IIA contract is increased by $36.68 million to reach a cumulative total of $2.65 billion since the original award in July 2015, the DoD noted on 10 June.
Under this modification, Raytheon will upgrade, integrate, and test SM-3 Block IIA flight test round software; revise environmental qualification plans for compliance with updated qualification standards; facilitate a preliminary qualification event; support an accelerated flight test date; and initiate activities to begin the transition to production.
Raytheon co-developed SM-3 Block IIA with Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
In November 2020, the MDA revealed a successful interception test of an intercontinental ballistic missile target, using an SM-3 Block IIA interceptor.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Patrol vessel demand and partnerships anchor North Africa’s naval market]()
Patrol vessel demand and partnerships anchor North Africa’s naval market
Fincantieri and Naval Group are positioning for long-term work in Egypt and Morocco as demand for local industrial partnerships grows.
-
![UK MoD faces ‘serious’ ASW gap as Defence Committee outlines Arctic requirements]()
UK MoD faces ‘serious’ ASW gap as Defence Committee outlines Arctic requirements
Anti-submarine warfare, uncrewed vessels and seabed monitoring top the demand list in the Defence Committee’s High North roadmap for the 2030s.
-
![Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders]()
Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders
Turkish shipbuilders have sold ships from Asia to Europe, but autonomy and swarm technology could give them a fairer fight against Western European rivals.
-
![Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq]()
Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq
The Canadian Department of National Defence is evaluating communications and reconnaissance changes for CCGS Imnaryuaq’s expanded maritime security role, while retaining its 2032 acceptance target.
