RTX’s Raytheon awarded $333 million contract for SM-6 Block IA production

Key Takeaways:

• Raytheon awarded $333 million contract by U.S. Navy for SM-6 missiles
• SM-6 missile supports anti-air, anti-surface, and ballistic missile defense
• Successful interception of ballistic missile in March 2024 test
• Production to be completed by 2027 across multiple U.S. facilities
• Enhances the offensive might of U.S. and allied naval forces

Raytheon Lands Major Contract to Produce Multi-Mission SM-6 Missiles

Raytheon, an RTX business, has secured a $333 million contract from the U.S. Navy to produce the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) Block IA missiles, marking a significant stride in bolstering the nation’s naval defense capabilities.

A Missile with Multi-Mission Might

The SM-6 missile stands out as the only missile that supports anti-air, anti-surface warfare, and sea-based terminal ballistic missile defense in one solution. Deployed on U.S. Navy ships, it delivers a proven, over-the-horizon offensive and defensive capability by leveraging the time-tested Standard Missile airframe and propulsion system.

“SM-6 has a proven performance, and this contract is an important step for providing this urgently needed weapon to our armed forces,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Raytheon continues to work closely with our customers to ensure our military has an unfair advantage at sea and to keep our adversaries guessing.”

Proven Performance in Critical Tests

In March 2024, the SM-6 demonstrated its anti-missile capabilities by successfully intercepting a medium-range ballistic missile target at sea during the Flight Test Aegis Weapon System (FTM)-32 exercise. This achievement underscores the missile’s reliability and effectiveness in real-world scenarios, reinforcing its vital role in modern naval warfare.

The SM-6 has been successfully fired from various U.S. Navy ships, unmanned vessels, and launchers on land, showcasing its versatility across different platforms. Its ability to integrate multiple defense roles into a single system enables the U.S. and its allies to cost-effectively increase the offensive might of surface forces.

Strategic Production Across the Nation

Production under this contract will be completed at Raytheon facilities located in Tucson, Arizona; Huntsville, Alabama; Andover, Massachusetts; and Dine, New Mexico. The project is expected to be completed by 2027, reflecting a concerted effort to enhance naval capabilities within a strategic timeframe.

Strengthening Defense Through Innovation

For over a century, Raytheon has been at the forefront of developing new technologies and enhancing existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, among others. As an RTX business, Raytheon continues to push the limits of technology to redefine how the world connects and protects.

About Raytheon and RTX

Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions dedicated to helping the U.S. government, allies, and partners defend national sovereignty and ensure security. With a global workforce of over 185,000 employees, RTX—through its industry-leading businesses Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon—is advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, RTX reported 2023 sales of $69 billion, underscoring its significant presence and impact in the defense and aerospace sectors.

By securing this substantial contract, Raytheon reinforces its pivotal role in equipping the U.S. Navy with advanced defense capabilities, ensuring readiness and superiority in an ever-evolving global security landscape.