Barbara Borgonovi, President of Naval Power at Raytheon, emphasized that the SM-3 Block IIA is an important element of regional ballistic missile defense, providing greater range, precision, and effectiveness against rapidly evolving ballistic threats. She noted that investments in production lines are enabling the company to increase delivery rates and adapt output to customer requirements. Current needs include rebuilding stockpiles depleted by the US Navy while supporting the defense of Israel and other countries in the Middle East against ballistic missiles launched from Iran and western Yemen.
Photo: RTX
The SM-3 Block IIA was developed jointly by Japanese industry and RTX. It features a larger rocket motor and an improved kinetic warhead, allowing it to engage targets at greater speeds and across a wider defended area, including short- and medium-range ballistic missile threats.
The SM-3 Block IIA contract strengthens the US Aegis BMD system and reflects growing demand for advanced interceptor technologies amid changes in the global security environment. For RTX, it also demonstrates that investments in infrastructure and production-line modernization are producing tangible results. The new contract is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2031.