US to resume production of SM–3 IB interceptors
An SM-3 Block IB interceptor being launched from USS Lake Erie. (Photo: US Navy)
Although the US Navy and MDA planned to discontinue the acquisition of this missile, Congress provided $250 million for its manufacturing.
US Congress has allocated $250 million for restoring the production of the RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 Block IB (SM–3 IB) despite the US Navy and US Missile Defence Agency’s (MDA) decision to discontinue the procurement of the interceptor in favour of the SM-3 Block IIA after FY2024.
The fund was included in the FY2025 National Defence Appropriations Act (NDAA), which US lawmakers approved in December.
Supplied by RTX Raytheon, the SM–3 IB is a surface-to-air capability designed for exo-atmospheric engagements against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their mid-course phase. It has been in operation with the Navy since
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