Raytheon, RTX's defense subsidiary, has reached a critical milestone with its SM-3 Block IIA standard missile unit, which is now in full-scale production. This progress, announced by the company on October 15, 2024, marks a key milestone in the US Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) cooperative program with Japan, making the SM-3 Block IIA the first joint missile defense program to reach this milestone.
< p>Raytheon, a division of RTX, is a major player in the defense sector, providing advanced solutions in missile defense, interception, hypersonic technology and radar systems. With over a century of experience, Raytheon supports national and allied security initiatives around the world. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, RTX has more than 185,000 employees at its Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon, which develop advanced technologies that drive aerospace, integrated defense and next-generation solutions to critical global challenges. RTX sales to reach $69 billion in 2023, underscoring impact and commitment to global defense innovation.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000Full production confirms that the SM-3 Block IIA design has reached a level of maturity where manufacturing and operational risks are minimized, ensuring the missile's reliability and effectiveness in complex defense scenarios. This milestone increased production efficiency and paved the way for a $1.9 billion contract awarded by MDA in July 2024 to Raytheon to manufacture missiles for the US and Japanese defense sectors.
"Achieving full production of the SM-3 Block IIA underscores the strength of our partnership with Japanese industry and our shared commitment to developing missile defense to protect our countries and allies around the world,— said Barbara Borgonovi, Raytheon's president of Naval Power.
She also noted that this advance in design maturity will improve efficiencies throughout the manufacturing cycle, thereby improving program outcomes.
The SM-3 Block IIA missile is an improvement over previous models as it has more powerful rocket motors and an improved kinetic warhead. These improvements allow the missile to intercept threats faster and protect larger areas against short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. This joint development, led by MDA, the Japanese Ministry of Defense and Raytheon, is a strategic defense initiative aimed at strengthening regional and global security.
Under this manufacturing contract, Raytheon will manufacture at its facilities in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama, with deliveries scheduled for February 2031.