The U.S. Navy awarded Raytheon a $344 million contract for the development of two Standard Missile variants with a common guidance section. The new SM-2 Block IIICU and SM-6 Block IU missiles will include increased targeting capabilities. The variants will share a new guidance section, target-detection device, and other software and electronics. Raytheon stopped its SM-2 production line after fiscal 2017 orders, but restarted it with an FY21 order. The next batch of orders will be for the new SM-2 IIICU variant with an active radar. The Pentagon’s Foreign Military Sales program largely funds the development program, with the U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea to be the first to receive them.
Having an active radar on the missile is a “generational leap in technology.” The SM-6 Block IU addresses component obsolescence challenges in the electronics unit. This contract covers the development of common subcomponents, with an additional contract expected later this year for missile qualification and at-sea testing for the SM-2 Block IIICU.
Megan Eckstein is the naval warfare reporter at Defense News, covering military news with a focus on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operations. She has reported from four geographic fleets and is happiest when filing stories from a ship.
