US clears SM-6 for international sales

Sales of Raytheon’s Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) have been approved by the US government to several international customers, the company announced on 10 January.

Of the unnamed customers, many are looking to procure SM-6 to boost their shipbuilding programmes.

Using both active and semi-active guidance modes and advanced fusing techniques, SM-6 delivers multi-mission capability for long range fleet air defence, sea-based terminal defence, and anti-surface warfare.

The missile provides US Navy vessels with extended-range protection against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles in the terminal phase of flight.

SM-6 incorporates the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities from Raytheon's Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.

Mike Campisi, SM-6 senior program director, said: ‘The flexibility of this multi-mission effector drives significant savings for our partners and allies; it's the exact opposite of a boutique missile.’