Raytheon, an RTX business, has officially entered full-rate production for the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA, marking a significant milestone in the first cooperative development program with Japan under the Missile Defence Agency (MDA). This advancement comes amid increasing demand for the missile from both the United States and allied partners.
The transition to full-rate production paves the way for a $1.9 billion contract awarded by the U.S. Missile Defence Agency in July 2024, aimed at producing rounds for both the U.S. government and the Japan Ministry of Defence. This milestone confirms that there are no elevated design or manufacturing risks associated with the missile, affirming its reliability and performance.
“SM-3 Block IIA is a testament to the continuing partnership with Japanese industry to mature ballistic missile defence capabilities for the defence 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.”
The SM-3 Block IIA was developed through a landmark cooperative initiative involving the MDA, the Japan Ministry of Defence, and industry partners, including Raytheon and Japanese manufacturers. It is the first MDA-procured program of its kind to reach this manufacturing milestone. The missile features larger rocket motors, and an enhanced kinetic warhead compared to its predecessors, allowing it to engage threats more rapidly and protect larger areas from short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.
Work under this contract will take place at Raytheon facilities in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama, with project completion expected by February 2031.
