RTX
Raytheon, an RTX business, is set to upgrade missile systems for the U.S. Navy.

Raytheon Contracted for Missile Upgrades

June 10, 2024
Upgrades to the SM-2 Block IIICU and SM-6 Block IU missile systems will allow for the use of a common radar guidance system to save production time and costs for the missiles.

Raytheon, an RTX business, has been contracted for a missile development program funded largely by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency's Foreign Military Sales program. The program's intent is to design an advanced guidance system that supports two missile systems, the SM-2 Block IIICU and SM-6 Block IU missile systems (see image above). The contract work is valued at $344 million.

The two missile variants will employ a common guidance section and will share a new guidance section, target detection device. The sharing of guidance systems and electronics will allow Raytheon to manufacture both missile systems on the same production line while saving production time and expenses. Work on the missiles will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. 

Kim Ernzen, president of Naval Power for Raytheon, explained, “Upgrades under this contract will allow us to increase speed and efficiency in production of these weapon systems that are integral to the defense of the U.S. Navy and our allies.”

Ernzen added, “It's also a very important step forward for our international customers, as this will be the first time that Standard Missile active radar technology will be fielded by the U.S.'s international allies.” The first users of the updated missile systems are expected to be the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, and Korea.

About the Author

Jack Browne | Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.

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