US Navy deploys StandardMissile-3Block IB for first time

Sea Eagle

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2014
Messages
1,673
Likes
683
In partnership with theMissile Defense Agency, the U.S. Navy deployed the second-generation Standard Missile-3 Block IB made by Raytheon for the first time, initiating the second phase of the Phased Adaptive Approach.
"TheSM-3 Block IB's completion of initial operational testing last year set the stage for a rapid deployment to theater,"said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of RaytheonMissileSystems."The SM-3's highly successful test performance gives combatant commanders around the world the confidence they need to counter the growing ballisticmissilethreat."
In 2009, the administration announced the U.S.'s decision to adopt a new, more flexible approach tomissiledefense of both the U.S. and Europe. The Phased Adaptive Approach (PAA) Phase 1 began in March 2011 when the USS Monterey deployed carrying SM-3 Block IAs.
"TheSM-3program's evolution speaks to the importance of harnessing past successes to deliver increasingly capable systems to our customers, while reducing costs and delivery timelines,"said Dr. Mitch Stevison, Raytheon's Standard Missile-3program director.
In Oct. 2013, ground broke in Romania on the first operational Aegis Ashore site, which will be capable of launching SM-3 Block IAs, IBs and IIAs. The site continues on track for 2015 deployment as part of PAA Phase 2.
Along with deployed Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense ships, Romania's Aegis Ashore site will provide additional ballistic missile coverage of NATO countries. The first Aegis Ashore test with the SM-3 Block IB and upgraded Aegis BMD Weapons System will take place this year at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii.
 

Latest Replies

Global Defence

New threads

Articles

Top