The Department of Defense and the Missile Defense Agency recently awarded defense solutions company Raytheon a five-year procurement contract to produce Standard Missile–3 Block IB (SM-3 Blk IB) interceptors.
The contract includes two additional option years, valued up to $6.3 billion.
SM‑3 IB is a ship‑ and land‑based missile defense interceptor designed to defeat short‑ to intermediate‑range ballistic missiles during the midcourse phase of flight. The technology, which was first used in combat in 2024, is part of the U.S. Navy’s extended-range integrated air and missile defense along with SM-3 IIA and the rest of the standard missile family.
“This award underscores Raytheon’s commitment to increasing production of critical munitions, ensuring our customers have the defensive capabilities they need, when they need them,” Raytheon President Phil Jasper said. “SM-3 Block IB has proven its relevance in combat and this contract helps ensure we can replenish inventories and keep pace with the evolving threats the U.S. Navy, MDA and their partners face around the world.”
Production under the contract will be completed primarily at Raytheon’s facilities in Tucson, Ariz. and Huntsville, Ala.
The contract supports the replenishment of missile defense inventory that has been used in combat and eliminates supply-chain friction.