RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity
SM-6 missile production rates will be bolstered as a result of the facility enhancement. (Photo: US Navy)
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
RTX Raytheon has concluded the augmentation of its Redstone Missile Integration Facility in Alabama, with the improved production capacity enabling the manufacturing rates of the Standard Missile 3 and 6 (SM-3 and SM-6) in the location to increase by more than 50%, according to the company.
The announcement came a couple of weeks after the White House requested defence contractors to increase production of weapons and ammunition to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
An official spokesperson for the supplier told Shephard that, besides ramping up production in the near term, another priority for Raytheon has been maximising the facility’s
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Naval Group’s Barracuda bid could deepen Franco-Greek naval alignment]()
Naval Group’s Barracuda bid could deepen Franco-Greek naval alignment
As the Hellenic Navy looks to replace its ageing submarines with a next-generation fleet, other likely contenders for the programme include TKMS, Saab, Fincantieri, Navantia and Hanwha Ocean.
-
![US Navy budget seeks 34 ships on yesterday’s industrial base]()
US Navy budget seeks 34 ships on yesterday’s industrial base
The 2027 budget demands 34 new vessels, but ageing yards and backlogs raise questions about whether American shipbuilding can deliver.
-
![Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement]()
Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement
As advances in uncrewed technology increasingly shape Australia’s maritime future, Shephard spoke with the country’s head of navy capability and a Leidos Australia executive about the operational advantages behind the shift.
-
![Gulf tensions force Western navies to confront mine warfare shortfalls]()
Gulf tensions force Western navies to confront mine warfare shortfalls
The conversion of RFA Lyme Bay comes during signs that European navies may once again need to cooperate on Gulf mine clearance operations.
