The US Navy has awarded Raytheon $344 million to develop a pair of Standard Missile variants featuring a common guidance section for increased targeting capabilities.
Increased targeting will enable the defensive SM-2 Block IIICU and SM-6 Block IU missiles to see additional types of threats.
The missiles will also share a newly-designed target detection device, independent flight termination system, and electronics unit.
Common Production Line
Their commonality will allow Raytheon to manufacture the missiles on a common production line, enabling flexibility, scalability, and cost reductions.
“Upgrades under this contract will allow us to increase speed and efficiency in production of these weapon systems that are integral to the defense of the US Navy and our allies,” President of Naval Power at Raytheon Kim Ernzen said.
“It’s also a very important step forward for our international customers, as this will be the first time that Standard Missile active radar technology will be fielded by the US’s international allies.”
Initial Customers
The Pentagon’s foreign military sales program is largely funding the development, with initial users being the US, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea.
A follow-on contract covering the missile-level qualification events and At-Sea flight tests specific to the SM-2 Block IIICU is expected later this year.