US accelerates production of SM-3 anti-missiles amid Red Sea escalation
The US company RTX (Raytheon) is investing heavily in accelerating the production of SM-3 missiles to meet growing demand, in particular due to the difficult situation with the Houthis in the Red Sea.
Here's What We Know
According to Defence News, the company produces two versions of the missile: The SM-3 Block IB and the newer SM-3 Block IIA, developed jointly with Japan. Despite the active production, the US Navy is seeking to gradually reduce the purchase of the cheaper SM-3 Block IB (worth $10 million) in favour of the more expensive but more efficient SM-3 Block IIA (worth $22 million).
RTX currently produces at least 12 SM-3 Block IIA missiles per year. To increase capacity, the company has invested over $115 million to expand its plant in Huntsville, Alabama, which will increase production by 67%.
According to Misty Holmes, Raytheon's vice president of naval ship missiles, the company is achieving record production rates for the SM-3 Block IB while simultaneously starting large-scale production of the SM-3 Block IIA.
An SM-3 anti-missile is launched from the MK.41 launcher. Illustration: US Navy
The SM-3 missiles are used not only by the United States but also by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces, which installs both versions on eight missile destroyers. Increasing production volumes will reduce the cost per unit and ensure greater mass supply for both domestic and foreign customers.
In addition, South Korea plans to strengthen its naval air defence component with the SM-3. The estimated value of the contract is $583 million, and the missiles will be integrated into the weapon systems of KDX-3 destroyers, the number of which will increase to six.
Source: Defence News