US Navy awards $258m contract for upgraded SM-2 missiles

The US Navy's Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded a US$258.7 million contract to defence technology company Raytheon for the supply of upgraded SM-2 block IIIC medium-range surface-to-air-missiles.

The upgraded missiles will be deployed aboard the navy's Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class and Zumwalt-class destroyers, thus enhancing the ships' air defence capabilities.

Upgrades by the navy's Guidance Section Electronics Unit (GSEU) will cover guidance and target detection hardware modifications to make the SM-2 block IIICs better suited for dealing with threats such as modern anti-ship cruise missiles from up to 103 kilometres away.

The work to upgrade the missiles is scheduled to be completed by 2031. All SM-2 block IIIC missiles that will be fitted with the GSEU upgrade will be designated as SM-2 block IIICUs.

The missile's development program will also be funded by the Canadian Government via foreign military sales.

The US Navy expects to field the SM-2 block IIICU missiles by FY2027.