Raytheon has secured a $745.4 million contract from the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to produce and assemble Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA ballistic missile interceptors…
Under the contract, Raytheon will manufacture the interceptors for both the United States and Japan.
Production and assembly work on the SM-3 Block IIA ballistic missile interceptors under the contract is scheduled to be completed by 2031.
The SM-3 is designed to neutralize ballistic missile threats during the midcourse phase of flight outside the atmosphere. The system utilizes “hit-to-kill” technology, destroying targets through direct kinetic impact.
The missiles can be launched from land-based Aegis Ashore sites and Mk 41 VLS cells integrated into Aegis-equipped warships.
U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are among the primary maritime platforms capable of employing the SM-3 system.
The missiles will also be deployed aboard Japan’s two Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs), currently under construction for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
The two Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs) are expected to enter service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in 2027 and 2028, respectively…