Raytheon Standard Missile-6 (SM6) destroys ballistic target for the first time

A Standard Missile-6 has destroyed a short-range ballistic missile target in a first-of-its-kind test at sea, solidifying its place in an elite group of weapons that can defend against this class of threat.

“SM-6 is an advanced multi-mission missile built upon decades of technological innovation and best practices,” said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of Raytheon Missile Systems. “Its success showcases the value in using mature components in innovative ways.”

Deployed on cruisers and destroyers, SM-6 currently provides the U.S. Navy fleet with air defense against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and land-attack anti-ship cruise missiles in flight, over both sea and land.

"Our objective was to demonstrate the SM-6's ability to intercept ballistic missiles in their terminal or final seconds of flight," said Lawrence.

He also noted that the version of SM-6 that has ballistic missile defense capability will be referred to as SM-6 ‘Dual 1.’

“When it deploys next year, it will be the only missile in the world capable of both anti-air warfare and ballistic missile defense from sea,” said Lawrence.

The SM-6 combines the legacy Standard Missile airframe and propulsion elements with the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities of Raytheon’s Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.

 “U.S. Navy commanders want both capability and flexibility to meet a wide variety of missions, and that’s exactly what SM-6 offers,” said Lawrence.

The milestone took place during a complex test that spanned several days. It included two additional SM-6 interceptors, that engaged cruise missile targets in anti-air warfare scenarios.

A Standard Missile-2 Block IV also destroyed a short-range ballistic missile target. With an extensive history of more than 2,500 successful flight tests, the SM-2 is deployed around the world in support of area- and self-defense missions for the U.S. and international navies. The SM-2 Block IV has previously intercepted and destroyed short-range ballistic missile targets.