Click here - to select or create a menu

Naval News

  • News
  • Event News
    • IMDEX Asia 2023
    • Sea Air Space 2023
    • DSEI Japan 2023
    • NAVDEX 2023
    • SNA 2023
    • Euronaval 2022
    • Indo Pacific 2022
  • Interviews
  • Videos
  • Advertising
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Home» News»United States Approves Possible FMS of SM-6 and SM-2 to Australia
PATRIA
South Korea to Procure SM-6 Missiles and Develop “Ship-to-Air Guided Missile-II”
SM-6 missile. File picture (Raytheon)

United States Approves Possible FMS of SM-6 and SM-2 to Australia

The United States' State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia of Defense Services Related to Future SM-6 and SM-2 Production and related equipment for an estimated cost of $350 million. This is in relation to Australia's Project Sea 1300 Phase 1.

Xavier Vavasseur 26 Aug 2021

Back in January 2021, the Australian Government announced an AUD $1 billion to commence the early development of advanced guided weapons to enhance Australia’s maritime security. As part of SEA 1300, Australia will continue its long-term investment and key contribution to the Evolved SEASPARROW Block 2 missile program, and commence investment in developing the Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC and the Standard Missile 6 Block 1, to meet Australia’s surface-to-air missile capability requirements.

The Government of Australia has now requested to buy defense services related to the future purchase of Standard Missile 6 Block I (SM-6) and Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC (SM-2 IIIC) missiles. These services include development; engineering, integration, and testing (EI&T); obsolescence engineering activities required to ensure readiness; U.S. Government and contractor engineering/technical assistance, and related studies and analysis support; technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of program and logistical support. The total estimated value is $350 million.

According to the US State Department notice, this proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. Australia is strategically positioned to contribute significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

The proposed sale will support the readiness and future sale of vital anti-air warfare capability that can be deployed from Australia’s newest Hunter-class Destroyers equipped with the latest AEGIS Combat Systems. The purchase of Standard Missile 6 Block I (SM-6) and Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC (SM-2 IIIC) missiles is currently included in Australia’s procurement roadmap and will improve their ability to operate alongside U.S. and Allied naval forces against the full spectrum of naval threats. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these defense services into its armed forces.

Sailors aboard US Navy USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), in partnership with Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS), successfully executed the first live-fire engagement with the new AEGIS Virtual Twin system, a prototype of the AEGIS Virtual Combat Management System, the PEO IWS said on April 23.
The guided missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) fires an SM-2 missile during a live-fire missile exercise off the coast of Virginia, March 25, 2019 (Credit: Ben Cushwa/Released)

According to Raytheon, the RIM-174 Standard Extended Range Active Missile (ERAM), or Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) is three missiles in one: It’s the only weapon that can perform anti-air warfare, ballistic missile defense and anti-surface warfare missions. The system offers navies more flexibility in limited ship space. The missile has an operational range up to 130 nmi (240 km) and a top speed of March 3.5.

SM-2 allows navies to defend against anti-ship missiles and aircraft. Raytheon and the U.S. Navy restarted the production line to meet global demand. The program invested in new equipment and improved manufacturing processes to increase efficiencies. The SM-2 Medium Range Block IIIC Active incorporates the active homing seeker of the SM-6 ERAM. The missile features active terminal guidance, has an operational range up to 90 nmi (167 km) and a top speed of Mach 3.5.

Both missiles are designed and produced by Raytheon Missiles and Defense (RMD) in Tucson, AZ.

Australia Hunter-class Raytheon Royal Australian Navy SM-2 SM-6 USA 2021-08-26
Facebook Twitter Stumble linkedin Pinterest More

Authors

Posted by : Xavier Vavasseur
Xavier is based in Paris, France. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). Xavier has been covering naval defense topics for nearly a decade.

Related Articles

Combat Systems Agreement Boosts Australia’ Shipbuilding Capability 

Combat Systems Agreement Boosts Australia’ Shipbuilding Capability 

Naval News Staff 27 May 2023
Integration of the complex combat systems on the Royal Australian Navy’s existing guided missile destroyers and Hunter class frigates will be done in Australia.
Australia Cleared for $207 million Modular SURTASS Buy

Australia Cleared for $207 million Modular SURTASS Buy

Ben Felton 10 May 2023
Australia received in principle approval to purchase an expeditionary version of the U.S SURTASS. The RAN has several support vessels that could host the system.
New agency and new regulator to deliver Australia’s SSN program

New agency and new regulator to deliver Australia’s SSN program

Naval News Staff 07 May 2023
The Albanese Government will establish a new agency and a new regulator as part of its commitment to delivering Australia’s SSN.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Legal / Privacy Policy
About Us
Contact Us

Copyright © 2022 Naval News
All Rights Reserved
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok