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
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
-
![SOF Week 2026: US Navy USV completes record eight-day autonomous mission]()
SOF Week 2026: US Navy USV completes record eight-day autonomous mission
The MARTAC T38 Devil Ray USV has set a new endurance benchmark as the US Navy pushes deeper into autonomous maritime warfare.
-
![SAHA 2026: Turkey markets modular undersea systems to European buyers]()
SAHA 2026: Turkey markets modular undersea systems to European buyers
Turkey’s defence industry is pushing a class of platform and building an entire philosophy of cost-imposition around it.
-
![STM’s European wins strengthen Turkey’s naval credibility on the continent]()
STM’s European wins strengthen Turkey’s naval credibility on the continent
Turkish defence and engineering company STM is attempting to challenge Europe’s established naval primes by winning contracts from Portugal to Pakistan – with a business model built on working in any shipyard in the world.
