The US Navy has awarded a $235m contract to Raytheon Company for the supply of Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) all-up round production missiles and spares.
The missiles have recently completed major testing and are scheduled to be delivered next year, when they will be integrated on Aegis cruisers and destroyers in order to boost the US Navy fleet operations.
Funding for the fourth year of full-rate production is included in the agreement.
The SM-6 missiles will feature a new anti-surface capability that was first revealed early last year, during a successful tactical demonstration event off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii.
Raytheon's missiles have established a record for both maximum down-range and cross-range intercepts in over-the-horizon missions.
SM-6 not only demonstrates an offensive capability, but also displays expanded competency in anti-air warfare, sea-based terminal and anti-surface warfare, making it an effective multi-purpose weapon.
Raytheon Company SM-6 senior programme director Mike Campisi said: “The SM-6 offers three missions, making it the most affordable missile per defended area and threat set.
“The SM-6 effector continues to perform beyond expectations and beyond its original mission.”
Final assembly of the missile will be carried out at Raytheon's advanced manufacturing facility at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
SM-6 uses both active and semi-active radar modes, as well as advanced fusing techniques.
The missile also features advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities, adapted from the company’s advanced medium-range air-to-air missile.