Ministry of Defense announces order for SM-6, SM-2IIIC

The Department of Defense will spend $7 billion to acquire Standard Missile Block III C (SM-2IIIC) and additional Standard-6 (SM-6) missiles for the Royal Australian Navy.

They will be gradually introduced across the Navy’s surface fleet, including Hobart-class destroyers and future Hunter-class frigates. In August H.M.A.S. Sydney became the first non-US Navy ship to fire the active SM-6 Extended Range Missile during Exercise Pacific Dragon near Hawaii.

“The Standard 6 Missile and the Standard 2 Block IIIC Missile will enable our fleet to engage sea, land and air targets at long range, as well as provide the ultimate defense against ballistic missiles, enhancing the ADF’s ability to protect Australians and their interests. ” said Defense Minister Richard Marles.

Although the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has not yet issued an official notification of the sale, the weapons are being purchased as part of the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal. RTX is expected to be the prime contractor for the FMS project as it produces the SM-2IIIC and SM-6.

“Raytheon Australia welcomes today’s announcement by the Australian Government to further enhance the lethality of its surface fleet through the acquisition of additional Raytheon Standard missiles (SM-2 and SM-6),” said Raytheon Australia Managing Director Ohad Katz.

“As a strategic partner to the guided weapons and explosives industry, we regularly work with the Australian Government and Department of Defense to ensure we contribute to the development of Australia’s strong industrial base, which will be critical to supporting national security outcomes for decades to come. forward. “