Raytheon-made SM-3 missile finds ballistic target
The US Navy has conducted a Missile Defense Agency test that saw two Standard Missile-3 Block IBs consecutively launched from the USS Lake Erie against a complex, separating short-range ballistic missile target.
According to Raytheon, the first guided missile successfully destroyed the target using the sheer kinetic force of a massive collision in space.
The second SM-3 was designed to test the ship weapons system's ability to launch multiple missiles at one time against a threat. An intercept for the second SM-3 was not part of the test scenario.
Taylor Lawrence, president, Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘Confidence in the SM-3 Block IB's defensive capability continues to grow with each flight test. When this weapon deploys in 2015, the US and our allies will have a tremendously reliable, capable defensive asset on their side.’
Mitch Stevison, Raytheon Missile Systems' SM-3 program director, added: ‘We're gaining a tremendous amount of information about what this missile can do, and in many instances it is far surpassing design requirements. The SM-3 Block IB is proving it can take on increasingly sophisticated scenarios, and that kind of confidence sets the stage for a production decision.’
The SM-3 is a defensive weapon used by the US and Japan to defend against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
Based on the SM-3 Block IA, the SM-3 Block IB incorporates an enhanced two-colour infrared seeker and the Throttleable Divert and Attitude Control System, a mechanism that propels the missile toward incoming targets.
More than 155 SM-3s have been delivered to the US and Japanese navies, and Raytheon is on track to deliver the next-generation SM-3 Block IB in 2015. SM-3 Block IB will be deployed in both sea-based and land-based modes.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays]()
US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.
-
![Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic]()
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
