Raytheon to build more SM-6 Block IA missiles for US Navy under $333 million contract
The contract for SM-6 missiles is expected to be completed by 2027. (Photo: Raytheon)
The USN has placed a $333 million contract with Raytheon, an RTX company, for SM-6 Block IA missiles, also designated as the RIM-174 Standard extended range active missile.
Deployed on USN ships, SM-6 is designed to provide over-the-horizon offensive and defensive capability by using the time-tested Standard Missile airframe and propulsion system.
It supports anti-air and anti-surface warfare and sea-based terminal ballistic missile defence operations in one solution.
Related Articles
Raytheon to provide more SM-2 and SM-6 support
US approves SM-6 and SM-2 IIC related sale to Australia
Raytheon’s SM-6 demonstrated with US Army missile defence and C2 systems
SM-6 has been successfully fired from various USN ships, uncrewed vessels and launchers on land.
In March 2024, SM-6 demonstrated its anti-missile capabilities by successfully intercepting a medium-range ballistic missile target at sea during the Flight Test Aegis Weapon System (FTM)-32 exercise.
In last year’s Valiant Shield 2024, Raytheon demonstrated SM-6 in a complex missile engagement integrated with US Army's Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) and Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS).
Using SM-6 engagement control software interfaced with Northrop Grumman’s IBCS and track data from Raytheon’s LTAMDS simulator. According to Raytheon, the test demonstrated the successful integration of these existing, respective army and navy programme capabilities.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates
The system is intended to add enhanced operational precision to two ageing vessels.
-
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.