The U.S. and Denmark will conduct maritime exercises using $5 million RIM-174 SM-6 ERAM interceptors that can shoot down ballistic missiles

On September 18, 2023, a joint maritime exercise involving the Danish Armed Forces and the US Navy will start. The purpose of the exercise is to practise convoy protection.

Here's What We Know

The US Navy press release has the standard words that the maritime exercise demonstrates America's ongoing commitment to the security of the transatlantic region. The event will also improve interoperability between the US fleet and the Scandinavian country's armed forces.

An important part of the exercise will be test launches of RIM-174 SM-6 ERAM anti-aircraft missiles. In this case, the interceptors will be used for their original purpose, i.e. in ship-to-air operations. Although the US Army intends to use the SM-6 for surface-to-surface strikes.

The SM-6 is one of many missiles in the Standard family. It is developed by the Raytheon Company. The cost of the missile has been steadily increasing. In a few years, the SM-6 has risen in price by almost $1 million and already costs about $5 million.

The maximum launch range is 340 kilometres. The SM-6 can be used to intercept aerodynamic targets and ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere. The launcher uses a standard shipboard Mk 41 vertical launch system.

Source: US Navy