SM-6 engages surface target
Raytheon successfully conducted a flight test of its Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) in which the missile engaged a surface target - the decommissioned USS Reuben James (FFG 57) - it was announced on 7 March.
The test was undertaken as part of demonstration work for the US Navy's concept of 'distributed lethality', with ships employed in dispersed formations to increase the offensive might of the surface force and enable future options for the joint force commander.
The USS John Paul Jones fired the SM-6 and an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer on station acted as the assist ship. According to Raytheon, the mission validated that the legacy Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) capability of the Standard Missile-2 family of missiles and the MK7 Aegis Weapon System (AWS) has successfully carried over to SM-6 and the latest Aegis Destroyer baseline 9.
Taylor Lawrence, president, Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘This test event demonstrated Raytheon's decades of continued technological development and partnership with the US Navy. The ability to leverage the SM family and the legacy AWS in newly fielded systems brings additional warfighting capability to the US fleet.'
The SM-6 provides tri-mission capability (Anti-Air Warfare, Sea-Based Terminal and ASUW) for long-range sea-based terminal defence and fleet air defence. It incorporates the guidance control and signal processing capabilities of Raytheon's advanced medium-range air-to-air missile. It uses both semi-active and active guidance modes and advanced fuzing techniques.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
![How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions]()
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
![Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA]()
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.
