SM-6 Block 1B hypersonic missile, Maritime Strike Tomahawk and PrSm Increment 2 - US needs advanced weapons in case of military conflict with China
The US military wants to accelerate the development of three advanced missiles to prepare for a potential military conflict with China. This was announced by Admiral John Aquilino, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command.
Here's What We Know
John Aquilino visited Capitol Hill where he discussed service priorities and costs with lawmakers. All sides believe that the US Armed Forces should continue to train and strengthen their capabilities in case of possible conflict.
The armed forces have identified three key priorities for themselves. These are the new version of the Army's Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2, the Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST) modification and the Standard Missile-6 Clock 1B hypersonic missile interceptor.
The U.S. Marine Corps will receive ground launchers that can use the Maritime Strike Tomahawk cruise missile modification. The Army will use PrSM Increment 2 to destroy enemy ships. The SM-6 Block 1B hypersonic anti-missile will enter service with the US Navy.
The developer of SM-6 Block 1B is the Raytheon Company. The interceptor is designed to destroy enemy targets at long range. The increased range will be achieved by installing a new second-stage rocket engine. The Block 1B version is expected to be ready for delivery in fiscal 2027 (FY).
Raytheon is also the developer of the MST. The Block Va modification will allow destruction of moving targets at sea. Unlike the Marine Corps, the US Navy will use this Tomahawk variant from cruisers and destroyers. The MST will be ready for deployment in early FY2025.
Finally, Lockheed Martin is working on a PrSM to replace the ATACMS. The Increment 1-level missile will be able to hit targets at a distance of 500 km. Going forward, the company wants to develop three more iterations and increase the range to 1,000 km. PrSM Increment 2 will be ready for "early operational capability" in FY2027.
Discussions continue in the US about the optimal positioning of forces and the right mix of capabilities in the region. That said, a US Navy admiral has confirmed that war with China is still not imminent.
Source: Breaking Defense
