Raytheon’s SM-6 achieves IOC with US Navy
Raytheon’s Standard Missile-6 has achieved initial operational capability (IOC), with the US Navy deploying the weapon for the first time. The company has delivered more than 50 SM-6 interceptors to the navy under low-rate production contracts.
The SM-6 provides extended range protection against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The interceptor combines the airframe and propulsion of legacy Standard Missiles with the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).
Capt. Mike Ladner, Surface Ship Weapons major program manager, said: ‘We’re very pleased to achieve IOC on schedule. The SM-6, with its ability to extend the battlespace, truly offers improved capability for the warfighter. I’m very proud of the entire Standard Missile team on this historic achievement.’
Taylor W Lawrence, president, Raytheon Missile Systems, added: ‘This is a monumental moment for the SM-6 programme and signifies a new era of fleet defence for our naval warfighters. The SM-6 significantly improves the sailor’s ability to strike at various targets at extended range.’
Raytheon won a contract for $243 million to build 89 new SM-6 interceptors in September, signalling the start of full-rate production.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Euronaval 2026: Baltic breakthrough powers Saildrone’s next European expansion]()
Euronaval 2026: Baltic breakthrough powers Saildrone’s next European expansion
Denmark’s doubled deployment, Mediterranean smuggling routes and Norwegian composite hulls show where uncrewed surveillance demand is heading, while British funding remains unclear.
-
![Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift]()
Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift
The 50m, six-person ship from the Italian shipbuilder carries swappable, containerised payloads instead of a fixed mission, reflecting a shift that is becoming increasingly evident.
-
![Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties]()
Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties
HMCS Victoria and HMCS Windsor could return from their current deep maintenance, but unconfirmed operational timelines leave questions over patrol capacity before the first CPSP arrives.
-
![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.
