Raytheon’s SM-6 achieves IOC with US Navy

Raytheon’s Standard Missile-6 has achieved initial operational capability (IOC), with the US Navy deploying the weapon for the first time. The company has delivered more than 50 SM-6 interceptors to the navy under low-rate production contracts.

The SM-6 provides extended range protection against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The interceptor combines the airframe and propulsion of legacy Standard Missiles with the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).

Capt. Mike Ladner, Surface Ship Weapons major program manager, said: ‘We're very pleased to achieve IOC on schedule. The SM-6, with its ability to extend the battlespace, truly offers improved capability for the warfighter. I'm very proud of the entire Standard Missile team on this historic achievement.’

Taylor W Lawrence, president, Raytheon Missile Systems, added: ‘This is a monumental moment for the SM-6 programme and signifies a new era of fleet defence for our naval warfighters. The SM-6 significantly improves the sailor's ability to strike at various targets at extended range.’

Raytheon won a contract for $243 million to build 89 new SM-6 interceptors in September, signalling the start of full-rate production.