Raytheon, an RTX business, has reached a new production milestone, entering full-rate manufacturing of its Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA interceptors.
As noted by the company, this achievement comes amid rising global demand for advanced missile defense systems, particularly from the United States and allied nations.
The transition to full-rate production follows a $1.9 billion contract awarded in July 2024 by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) for the procurement of additional SM-3 Block IIA missiles for both the U.S. and Japan’s Ministry of Defense. The full-rate production designation reflects the missile’s design maturity, confirming its performance reliability and eliminating concerns over design or manufacturing risks.
“SM-3 Block IIA is a testament to the continuing partnership with Japanese industry to mature ballistic missile defense capabilities for the defense of our nation and our allies around the globe,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. She emphasized that reaching this milestone highlights the missile’s fully mature design, leading to improved efficiencies across the program.
Developed under a cooperative initiative between the MDA, the Japan Ministry of Defense, and their respective industrial partners, the SM-3 Block IIA is the first program of its kind to achieve full-rate production status. The missile features larger rocket motors and an upgraded kinetic warhead, giving it the ability to engage and destroy ballistic missile threats more quickly and over a larger area compared to its predecessors. It is designed to intercept short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles, adding a critical layer of protection for both the United States and its allies.
Production will take place at Raytheon facilities in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama, with an expected completion date of February 2031.
