Raytheon to produce SM-2 Block IIIC missiles for USN
SM-2 missile launch from USN vessel. (Photo: USN)
The USN is exercising an option in its Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) Block IIIC contract with Raytheon Missiles and Defense, the DoD announced on 7 July.
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) awarded the US defence company a $45.09 million contract modification for FY2021 LRIP production of the missile.
SM-2 Block IIIC features an active radar seeker and is expected to be deployed by the USN surface fleet by October 2022.
Besides production for the USN, overseas customers have shown interest in the missile. Shephard Defence Insight notes that Canada could order SM-2 Block IIIC under a $500 million FMS package approved by the State Department in November 2020.
Additionally, Australia is starting to invest in developing the SM-2 Block IIIC under Project Sea 1300.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
-
Turkey’s Goksur naval missile completes first live-fire intercept
The Goksur will be available in a range of configurations and could be integrated into Turkey’s nascent Steel Dome which is designed to provide multi-layered protection against a range of aerial targets from mortars to aircraft.