Raytheon Company, an electronics mission systems integration firm, recently secured a $2.1 billion, multi-year contract with the Missile Defense Agency to produce and deliver SM-3 Block IB interceptors.
“This procurement deal is a win-win for government and industry,” Mitch Stevison, Raytheon Strategic and Naval Systems vice president, said. “Efficiencies gained from this contract will allow us to reduce costs, continue to improve the SM-3, and deliver an important capability to our military.”
Raytheon indicated the SM-3 is the only ballistic missile interceptor possessing the capability to be launched on land and at sea, noting it is deployed worldwide and has achieved more than 30 exoatmospheric intercepts against ballistic missile targets.
Raytheon has delivered more than 400 SM-3 rounds over the lifetime of the program, adding the Block IB variant achieved full-rate production in 2017.
The SM-3 Block IB interceptor features an enhanced two-color infrared seeker and upgraded steering and propulsion capability using short bursts of precision propulsion to direct the missile toward incoming targets – using sheer force, rather than an explosive warhead, to destroy its target.
Headquartered in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon Company provides mission systems integration, C5I products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries.