US to resume production of SM–3 IB interceptors
An SM-3 Block IB interceptor being launched from USS Lake Erie. (Photo: US Navy)
Although the US Navy and MDA planned to discontinue the acquisition of this missile, Congress provided $250 million for its manufacturing.
US Congress has allocated $250 million for restoring the production of the RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 Block IB (SM–3 IB) despite the US Navy and US Missile Defence Agency’s (MDA) decision to discontinue the procurement of the interceptor in favour of the SM-3 Block IIA after FY2024.
The fund was included in the FY2025 National Defence Appropriations Act (NDAA), which US lawmakers approved in December.
Supplied by RTX Raytheon, the SM–3 IB is a surface-to-air capability designed for exo-atmospheric engagements against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their mid-course phase. It has been in operation with the Navy since
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![£30 million UK-New Zealand deal sends new uncrewed vehicles to Ukraine]()
£30 million UK-New Zealand deal sends new uncrewed vehicles to Ukraine
Sam Vye, the CEO of SYOS Aerospace, which supplied the vehicles, explained the rapid development and deployment of assets in the uncrewed world.
-
![HII delivers first two Lionfish SUUVs to US Navy]()
HII delivers first two Lionfish SUUVs to US Navy
The SUUVs could be part of a programme that scales to 200 vehicles.
-
![Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid]()
Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
