Raytheon Secures $333 Million Contract for SM-6 Block IA Production

Key Takeaways

Raytheon has secured a $333 million contract with the U.S. Navy for the production of Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) Block IA missiles.
The SM-6 missile provides a multi-role defense capability, supporting anti-air, anti-surface warfare, and ballistic missile defense.
Production is set to take place across multiple Raytheon facilities, with project completion anticipated by 2027.

Raytheon Secures Navy Contract for SM-6 Missiles

Raytheon, part of the RTX business segment, has recently been awarded a significant $333 million contract by the U.S. Navy to produce Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) Block IA missiles. This development is seen as crucial for enhancing the U.S. military’s capabilities at sea. Barbara Borgonovi, the president of Naval Power at Raytheon, emphasized the importance of this contract by stating, “SM-6 has a proven performance, and this contract is an important step for providing this urgently needed weapon to our armed forces.” She noted that Raytheon is committed to working closely with its customers to maintain a strategic advantage at sea.

The SM-6 missile is notable for its versatility, being deployed on various U.S. Navy ships. It offers an effective solution that integrates offensive and defensive capabilities. By utilizing the long-established Standard Missile airframe and propulsion system, the SM-6 supports anti-air and anti-surface warfare, along with sea-based terminal ballistic missile defense. This multi-role capability allows the U.S. and its allies to enhance the operational effectiveness of surface forces in a cost-effective manner.

The missile has demonstrated considerable success during testing and operational deployment. It has been fired from a variety of platforms, including U.S. Navy ships and unmanned vessels, as well as land-based launchers. Notably, in March 2024, the SM-6 showcased its anti-missile capability by successfully intercepting a medium-range ballistic missile target at sea during the Flight Test Aegis Weapon System (FTM)-32 exercise.

Production of the SM-6 missiles under this latest contract will take place at several Raytheon facilities, located in Tucson, Arizona, Huntsville, Alabama, Andover, Massachusetts, and Dine, New Mexico. The project is expected to be completed by the year 2027, further solidifying Raytheon’s role in enhancing U.S. naval defense capabilities.

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