Raytheon Technologies, an RTX company, has been awarded a $344 million contract for the development of two missile variants based on a common guidance system. The contract, funded by Foreign Military Sales, will provide improvements to the SM-2 Block IIICU (see image above) and SM-6 Block IU guided missile systems, which have an international user base that includes the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, and Korea.
In addition to the updated guidance section, the upgraded missiles feature new target detection devices and independent flight termination systems. By sharing defense electronic systems between the two missiles, they can be manufactured on a common production line while achieving outstanding performance, scalability, and repeatability, as well as benefiting from cost reductions.
“Upgrades under this contract will allow us to increase speed and efficiency in production of these weapon systems that are integral to the defense of the U.S. Navy and our allies,” said Kim Ernzen, president of Naval Power, Raytheon Technologies. "It's also a very important step forward for our international customers, as this will be the first time that Standard Missile active radar technology will be fielded by the U.S.'s international allies.”
Work on the contract is being conducted in Tucson, Ariz. A follow-on contract expected later this year covers missile-level qualification and at-sea flight testing according to the SM-2 Block IIICU configuration.