Raytheon Wins $925 Million U.S Missile Deal

Raytheon has been awarded a $925 million contract for development of the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA missile by the U.S Missile Defense Agency. The Standard Missile-3 Block IIA missile is a new ship-based missile interceptor being co-developed between the U.S. and Japan. The SM-3 Block IIA will have a 21-inch 2nd and 3rd stage rocket motor and a larger, more capable kinetic warhead. On track for a 2018 deployment date, the missile is the third evolution of the SM-3 family of missiles and builds on the successful legacy of the first two variants: SM-3 Block IA and SM-3 Block IB. The SM-3 program has achieved 21 successful intercepts. "The SM-3 IIA's larger rocket motors will allow for a greater defended area, which is an important factor when it comes to protecting both the U.S. and our NATO allies," said Wes Kremer, vice president of the Air and Missile Defense Systems product line for Raytheon Missile Systems. SM-3 Block IA missiles are currently employed on Japan's Kongo-class ships. Raytheon has delivered more than 130 SM-3 variants to the U.S. and Japanese navies on time and on budget.