DEFENCE CONNECT: The US Navy has awarded Raytheon a US$333 million (AU$538.6 million) contract to produce Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) Block 1A missiles. Deployed on US Navy ships, the SM-6 provides a proven, over-the-horizon offensive and defensive capability, leveraging the reliable Standard Missile air-frame and propulsion system. Uniquely versatile, the SM-6 is the only missile that supports anti-air and anti-surface warfare alongside sea-based terminal ballistic missile defence in a single, cost-effective solution. The capability enables both the US and allied forces, including Australia, to significantly enhance the offensive power of their surface fleets. The SM-6 has demonstrated its flexibility and effectiveness through successful launches from US Navy ships, unmanned vessels and land-based launchers.

In March 2024, the missile displayed its advanced anti-missile capabilities by intercepting a medium-range ballistic missile target during the Flight Test Aegis Weapon System-32 exercise. This contract comes in quick succession to Australia’s first successful test firing of the SM-6 missile during Exercise Pacific Dragon 2024.

HMAS Sydney fires the RAN’s first SM-6 during Exercise Pacific Dragon 2024 – source Defence Image Library