RTX's Raytheon SM-3 Block IIA Missile Defense System Achieves Full-Rate Production Approval

A $1.9 billion award will produce rounds for both the U.S. government and Japan Ministry of Defense.

Defense missiles being launched during a military training exercise.
Defense missiles being launched during a military training exercise.
iStock/vblinov

Raytheon, an RTX business, has entered full-rate production for Standard Missile-3 Block IIA, validating the program's design maturity amid increased demand for the product from the United States and allied partners.

The SM-3 Block IIA production milestone cleared the way for a $1.9 billion award from the U.S. Missile Defense Agency in July 2024 to produce rounds for both the U.S. government and Japan Ministry of Defense.

Full-rate production signals that there is no elevated design or manufacturing risk in the missile and validates its reliability and performance.

SM-3 Block IIA, created in a landmark cooperative development program between MDA, Japan Ministry of Defense and their industry partners (Raytheon and Japanese industry), is the first MDA-procured program of its kind to achieve this manufacturing milestone. SM-3 Block IIA features larger rocket motors and an enhanced kinetic warhead compared to its predecessors, allowing it to engage threats faster and protect larger regions from short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.

Work under this contract will be done at Raytheon facilities in Tucson, Ariz.; and Huntsville, Ala., with completion by February 2031.

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