This marks the first Missile Defense Agency cooperative
development program with Japan to
reach this milestone
TUCSON,
Ariz., Oct. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an
RTX (NYSE: 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 is a testament to the continuing partnership
with Japanese industry to mature ballistic missile defense
capabilities for the defense of our nation and our allies around
the globe," said Barbara Borgonovi,
president of Naval Power at Raytheon. "This milestone indicates
that the team has achieved full maturity in the missile's design
which leads to greater efficiencies throughout the program."
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.
About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense
solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners
defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For
more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and
enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile
defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars,
interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense
across land, air, sea and space.
About RTX
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits
of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect
our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace,
Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation,
engineering integrated defense systems, and developing
next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help
global customers address their most critical challenges. The
company, with 2023 sales of $69
billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact
corporatepr@rtx.com
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SOURCE RTX
