Air defence missile production for U.S. Navy ships is being ramped up under new deals signed between the U.S. Department of War and manufacturers Boeing and Raytheon.
Both firms make parts of the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) interceptors fired by surface combatants equipped with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System and the Mark 41 Vertical Launch System.
That primarily includes U.S. Navy vessels, including its mainstay Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers, as well as Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force warships including Kongō, Atago, Maya, and Haguro-class destroyers.
Under the agreements Boeing will boost output of avionics and ejector assemblies for the SM-3 Block IB and Block IIA variants to enable increased production of the interceptors.
The newest Block IIA version of the SM-3 was introduced into operational service in 2020. Co-developed with Japan to counter intermediate-range ballistic missiles, the projectiles were designed with a larger, 21-inch wide rocket motor which doubled the range and speed of the Block I variants.
Vice president of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems Bob Ciesla commented: “This gives us a clear demand signal to build and deliver SM‑3 interceptors at the levels needed to counter threats.
“The SM‑3 is an essential part of the layered air and missile defense architecture that protects the U.S. and its allies worldwide.”
- You can read more details on the Boeing website
