Pentagon Awards Raytheon $6.3 Billion Contract for SM-3 Interceptor Replenishment
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed a five-year contract, valued at approximately $6.3 billion, with Raytheon for the continuous production of Standard Missile-3 Block IB interceptors. This agreement includes an option for a two-year extension. The SM-3 Block IB interceptors utilize hit-to-kill technology to destroy targets through direct impact. Raytheon President Phil Jasper stated that the SM-3 Block IB interceptor has demonstrated its operational effectiveness in combat. The majority of the production will take place at Raytheon facilities in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama. This contract is one of five framework agreements signed between Raytheon and the Pentagon in February, aiming to prevent the depletion of munitions stockpiles. The SM-3 Block IB variant is operational from both land-based installations and naval warships, frequently deployed on naval vessels due to its extended operational range and flexible maneuvering capabilities. It tracks airborne targets using an advanced two-...
