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Although the nine future frigates are to be optimised for anti-submarine warfare, confirmation that their armament will include SM-2 missiles means they will also be providing a valuable contribution to the Royal Australian Navy’s task group protection. The SM-2, along with the CEAFAR2 S/X/L band active phased- array radar systems under development by Canberra-based CEA, has been directed by the government to be essential rather than desirable for the $35 billion SEA 5000 Phase 1 purchasing that is expected to begin replacing the RAN’s eight Anzac-Class frigates from about 2027. Equipping the ships of the Future Frigate program with the...

The Japanese Ministry of Defense allocated funds to develop a surface launched variant of the Mitsubishi AAM-4 (Type 99 air-to-air missile) effectively resurecting the canceled XRIM-4 project. Image: Japan MoD The Mitsubishi AAM-4 is a medium-range active radar homing air-to-air missile operational since 1999. The new funding is for the development of a boosted, surface launched variant for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The missile could have two variant: A long range one (with booster) to replace SM-2 and a short range one (no booster) to replace ESSM. Story via JSF

The resulting fire on USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) following the explosion of a Raytheon SM-2 Block IIIA guided missile. US Navy Photo obtained by USNI News This post has been updated with additional information from NAVSEA. A Navy guided missile destroyer was damaged after a missile exploded shortly after launch during an exercise off the U.S. Atlantic coast on Saturday, Navy officials have confirmed to USNI News. “On July 18 at approximately 9 a.m. (EDT) a Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) test missile exploded after suffering a malfunction as it was fired from the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) during a...

New Raytheon Datalink Will Allow NATO Ships to Employ All Standard Missiles Datalink could facilitate broader NATO involvement in Phased Adaptive Approach Sep 13, 2011 LONDON, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) completed design and testing of a prototype dual-band datalink that will enable interoperability between the Standard Missile family of interceptors and a wider variety of radars and ships. "The dual-band datalink will allow for greatly expanded NATO participation in the European Phased Adaptive Approach," said Dr. Taylor Lawrence, president of Raytheon Missile Systems. "This advancement bridges a critical technology gap in air defense interoperability between...

US budget could end 2 Raytheon programs David Wichner Arizona Daily Star Tucson-based Raytheon Missile Systems faces elimination of two weapons programs in the recently unveiled Pentagon budget for 2012. But the local Raytheon unit would get a boost from a proposed increase in the missile-defense budget, and parent Raytheon Co. and other major defense contractors escape major cuts in the Obama administration budgets, analysts say. The Pentagon is asking for base funding of $553 billion for the budget year that begins Oct. 1, including program cuts designed to save $78 billion over the next decade. Proposed cuts include termination...

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of 17 SM-2 Block IIIB STANDARD Warhead Compatible Telemetry missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $46 million. The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of 17 SM-2 Block IIIB STANDARD Warhead Compatible Telemetry missiles, including AN/DKT-71 Telemeters and assembly kits, spare and repair parts, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The...

South Korea's Navy has launched an investigation into problems with three types of naval missiles built by foreign manufacturers, a ruling party lawmaker said Oct. 12. In 23 test launches over two years, Raytheon SM-2 Standard anti-air missiles, Boeing Harpoon anti-ship missiles and MBDA Sea Skua lightweight anti-ship missiles collectively displayed an accuracy rate of below 80 percent, said Rep. Yoo Seung-min of the Grand National Party, who cited a report submitted by the Navy for a parliamentary inspection. The tests took place from July 2008 through July 2010, Yoo said. Three of the nine test-fired SM-2s failed to hit...

The Royal Australian Navy fired Raytheon Company's warfare missile during recent tests on board the HMAS Melbourne. "With this firing, Melbourne's crew validated the work done to transition warships from SM-1 capability to SM-2," said Ron Shields, Raytheon's SM-2 program director. "This was the first time an SM-2 has been launched by any navy from an upgraded frigate, clearing the way for other fleets to make similar upgrades." As the most widely fielded variant of SM-2, Block IIIA is deployed by the U.S. and eight allied navies. The missile is part of a long-range area air defense capability capitalizing on...

Aerojet announced that the company has been selected to provide the MK 125 warhead for Raytheon Missile Systems' family of Standard Missile programs, with deliveries beginning in 2010. The MK 125 warhead is the lethality mechanism for the SM-2 and SM-6 missile systems. This important missile system provides the U.S. Navy's fleet long-range protection from aerial threats and ensures the ability of the fleet to safely accomplish its primary mission of force projections wherever and whenever the nation calls. The program management and manufacturing will take place at Aerojet's modern, low-cost, load assembly and pack facility in Camden, Ark. Vice...

The HMAS Melbourne has demonstrated the navy's updated naval air defense capability with the firing of a Standard Missile (SM-2) off Jervis Bay. Minister for Defense Personnel, Materiel and Science Greg Combet said in a written statement that the SM-2 would be further enhanced throughout 2010. "This missile firing was the first time an SM-2 has been fired from an Adelaide-class frigate," Combet said. "The missile was prepared, launched and supported in flight before engaging a target." Combet said Melbourne is now equipped with two modern missile systems to combat anti-ship missiles and aircraft. "HMAS Melbourne is an Adelaide-class guided-missile...

The US is offering India one of the world's most formidable shipboard missile systems that has the potential of being integrated with the country's indigenous missiles. There was "some interest" in the Indian defence establishment in the Aegis system but neither has the US made an offer nor has India made any formal request for it, says Royce Caplinger, managing director of Lockheed Martin India, whose US parent manufactures the system. "I am sure though that if you ask for it, you will get it," India Strategic defence magazine quotes him as saying. The feelers to sell the Aegis are...

Ten Years Later, a Successful Demonstration of a Sea-Based Terminal Defense Against Ballistic Missiles by Baker Spring, Heritage Foundation WebMemo #1125 June 13, 2006 | | In 1995, The Heritage Foundation’s Missile Defense Study Team proposed to Congress a comprehensive plan for developing and deploying an effective global defense against ballistic missiles.[1] The panel was chaired by the former director of the Strategic Defense Initiative, Ambassador Henry F. Cooper, and among its recommendations was a proposal to evolve the existing AEGIS weapons systems onboard Navy surface ships for air defense into a missile defense system. Last month, the Navy...

U.S. moves to sell Australia SM-2 missiles Tue May 31, 2005 05:59 PM ET WASHINGTON, May 31 (Reuters) - The Pentagon notified Congress on Tuesday of a proposed sale to Australia of up to 175 SM-2 Block IIIA surface-to-air defensive missiles built by Raytheon Co. (RTN.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , as well as associated equipment. The proposed sale, valued at up to $315 million if all options are exercised, would provide Australia continued anti- aircraft defense capabilities for its Navy, the notice said. Australia already has SM-1 Standard missiles. The Pentagon's Defense Security and Cooperation Agency, which oversees foreign arms...

Raytheon Standard Missile-2 and Aegis Combat System Demonstrate Capability Against Subsonic and Supersonic Anti-Ship Missiles TUCSON, Ariz., March 24, 2005 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company Standard Missile-2s, launched from the USS Momsen (DDG 92) the week of March 7, went seven for seven against a variety of targets. This testing utilized the new Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7 Phase 1 and also involved successful Raytheon Evolved SeaSparrow Missile firings. The SM-2s -- in block III, IIIA and IIIB variants -- were fired against subsonic and supersonic targets in various configurations and in a littoral environment. The testing also included a dual...