Raytheon, an RTX business, has been awarded a $333 million contract by the U.S. Navy to produce Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) Block IA missiles, continuing the weapon’s role in supporting the Navy’s mission to maintain superiority at sea.
“SM-6 has a proven performance, and this contract is an important step for providing this urgently needed weapon to our armed forces,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Raytheon continues to work closely with our customers to ensure our military has an unfair advantage at sea and to keep our adversaries guessing.”
The SM-6 missile, a cornerstone of U.S. Navy surface fleet capabilities, provides over-the-horizon offensive and defensive operations. Built on the Standard Missile airframe and propulsion system, the SM-6 is the only missile that supports anti-air, anti-surface warfare, and sea-based terminal ballistic missile defense within a single system.
This versatility allows the U.S. and allied naval forces to enhance their offensive and defensive capacities in a cost-effective manner, leveraging advanced technology to counter emerging threats.
The SM-6 has demonstrated its capabilities across various platforms, including U.S. Navy ships, unmanned vessels, and land-based launchers. During the March 2024 Flight Test Aegis Weapon System (FTM)-32 exercise, the missile successfully intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile target at sea, further validating its advanced design and performance.
Raytheon will execute the contract at its facilities in Tucson, Arizona; Huntsville, Alabama; Andover, Massachusetts; and Dine, New Mexico. The production is expected to be completed by 2027, ensuring the Navy receives these advanced systems to bolster its operational readiness.
This contract reinforces the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a technological edge in maritime security and underscores Raytheon’s role as a key defense contractor delivering cutting-edge capabilities. The SM-6 continues to exemplify the adaptability and innovation required to address modern and future maritime threats.
As threats evolve, the SM-6 Block IA missile’s multi-mission versatility ensures it remains a critical component of the Navy’s arsenal, enhancing the safety and operational reach of surface forces at sea.