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United States Achieves Full-Rate Production for SM-3 Block IIA Missile in Collaboration with Japan.
Raytheon, a defense subsidiary of RTX, has reached a critical milestone with its Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA, now entering full-rate production. This advancement, announced by the company on October 15, 2024, marks a key phase in the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) cooperative development program with Japan, making the SM-3 Block IIA the first joint missile defense program to reach this stage.
The SM-3 Block IIA missile is the result of collaboration between Japan and the United States. (Picture source: RTX)
Raytheon, a division of RTX, is a major player in the defense sector, providing advanced solutions in missile defense, interceptors, hypersonic technology, and radar systems. With over a century of expertise, Raytheon supports national and allied security initiatives worldwide. RTX, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, employs over 185,000 people across its businesses, Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon, developing cutting-edge technologies that drive aviation, integrated defense, and next-generation solutions to address critical global challenges. RTX recorded $69 billion in sales in 2023, underscoring its impact and commitment to innovation in global defense.
Full-rate production confirms that the SM-3 Block IIA’s design has reached a level of maturity where manufacturing and operational risks are minimized, ensuring the missile's reliability and performance in demanding defense scenarios. This stage enhanced production efficiency and paved the way for a $1.9 billion contract awarded by the MDA in July 2024 for Raytheon to produce missiles for both U.S. and Japanese defense sectors.
"Achieving full-rate production for the SM-3 Block IIA highlights the strength of our partnership with Japanese industry and our shared commitment to advancing ballistic missile defense to protect our nations and allies worldwide," stated Barbara Borgonovi, President of Naval Power at Raytheon. She further noted that this advancement in design maturity will strengthen efficiency throughout the production cycle, thus improving program outcomes.
The SM-3 Block IIA missile represents an advancement over previous models, featuring more powerful rocket motors and an improved kinetic warhead. These enhancements allow the missile to intercept threats more quickly and to protect larger areas against short- to medium-range ballistic missiles. This cooperative development, led by the MDA, Japan's Ministry of Defense, and Raytheon, is a strategic defense initiative aimed at bolstering regional and global security.
Under this production contract, Raytheon will carry out manufacturing at its facilities in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama, with deliveries scheduled through February 2031.
This full-rate production approval signifies strengthened U.S.-Japan collaboration in defense, solidifying both nations' missile defense capabilities and establishing a new model for international partnerships in missile technology.