Raytheon wins US Navy SM-2 production award

Raytheon has been awarded a $108 million contract by the US Navy for continued production of Standard Missile-2 all-up rounds, a majority of which will be sold to US allies through foreign military sales. This award, announced on 17 December, brings the total fiscal year 2011 contract value to more than $200 million.

SM-2 is deployed by the US and eight allied navies. The missile provides high- and low-altitude intercept capabilities and performance against advanced anti-ship missile threats. It has been integrated with both Aegis and non-Aegis combat weapon systems, and can be launched from the MK-41, MK-13 and MK-26 launchers.

Michael Campisi, Raytheon Missile Systems’ senior director for SM-2 and SM-6 production, said: ‘The US Navy has committed to supporting SM-2 past 2035, and this contract award reflects our international partners’ desire to maintain this key defensive asset in their inventories. The SM-2 production line is open for all our allies’ requirements, and there will be full mission support available throughout the lifecycle of this critical asset.

‘SM-2 has been the primary surface-to-air fleet-air defence weapon of choice for decades. It’s an extremely effective, relevant weapon that will continue to protect navies around the globe for many years to come,’ he added.