Raytheon to Transition Standard Missile-3 Block IIA Program into Production

Raytheon Missile Systems is being awarded a $59.7 million contract modification to previously awarded contract to allow RMS to provide engineering services, analysis, and material necessary to transition the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA program into production.

The contractor will develop engineering manufacturing readiness level (EMRL) 3 compliance, achieve sustained rate capability of producing two all-up rounds per month, demonstrate EMRL 4 compliance, and achieve tactical configuration readiness.

The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $694,348,965 from $634,573,017.The work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an expected completion date of March 2020.

The next-generation SM-3 Block IIA interceptor is being developed in cooperation with Japan and will be deployable on land as well as at sea. It has two distinct new features: larger rocket motors that will allow it to defend broader areas from ballistic missile threats and a larger kinetic warhead.

The interceptor’s kinetic warhead has been enhanced, improving the search, discrimination, acquisition and tracking functions, to address advanced and emerging threats, according to Raytheon information.

The SM-3 IIA missile intercepted an advanced ballistic missile threat in its first live target test in early 2017.

The Block IIA variant is the centerpiece of the European missile defense system. The program is on track for 2018 deployment at sea and on land in Poland.