Standard Missile

The Standard Missile (LI 2234) program is a key component of the Navy's tactical missile procurement portfolio, with its primary objective being the procurement and production support of the SM-6 Block I/IA/IAU missile variants. The SM-6 provides extended range air defense capabilities for AEGIS cruisers, destroyers, Constellation-class frigates, and potentially future combatants. Its mission is to offer air superiority and protection for U.S. and allied forces against a spectrum of threats, including manned and unmanned aircraft, land attack and anti-ship cruise missiles, and to support the continuous protection of forward deployed and theater assets.

The SM-6 Block IA/IAU All Up Round Missile line item funds the procurement of the latest missile variants, which feature enhanced range and engagement capabilities. The budget request includes both discretionary and mandatory funding to procure additional SM-6 Block IA missiles. This funding is necessary to fulfill negotiated contract requirements and avoid a break in production, which would otherwise result in increased unit costs and production restart expenses in subsequent years. The program's objective is to maintain uninterrupted missile production, ensure inventory sufficiency, and support the Navy's operational requirements.

The Advance Procurement line item supports the acquisition of long-lead materials and components, such as the MK72 Booster, MK104 Dual Thrust Rocket Motor, and Guidance Sections. These components have significant lead times and are critical to maintaining the planned production schedule. The use of Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) advance procurement funding enables cost savings by allowing bulk purchases and efficient scheduling for subcontractors and suppliers. This approach is designed to ensure timely missile deliveries and reduce overall program costs.

The Production Start-Up and Capacity Expansion efforts are another objective within this line item. Investments began in FY 2022 to replicate special tooling and test equipment, with the goal of increasing SM-6 Block IA production capacity to 200 missiles per year by FY 2028. Continued funding supports these efforts, addressing both current operational demand and future requirements. This initiative ensures the industrial base can meet surge production needs if necessary and supports the Navy's long-term inventory and readiness goals.

The Transition to Production (TTP) for the SM-6 Block IAU focuses on finalizing hardware and software developed during engineering and manufacturing development, producing final Bills of Materials, technical data packages, and work instructions. The goal is to create a repeatable, efficient production process that minimizes rework and fallout, integrating lessons learned from development into full-rate production. This ensures that the SM-6 Block IAU can be produced reliably and at scale to meet fleet requirements.

The Supplemental Funding provided by the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, is also included in this line item. In FY 2024 and FY 2025, this supplemental funding enabled the procurement of additional SM-6 Block IA missiles to replace Navy stock, increasing the total quantities procured in those years. This reflects the program's flexibility to respond to emergent requirements and support allied security needs, while maintaining U.S. Navy readiness.

The Support and Sustainment elements of the budget line include funding for production engineering, component improvement, diminishing manufacturing sources mitigation, tools and test equipment, containers, fleet documentation, and training materials. These objectives are essential to ensuring the long-term viability, reliability, and supportability of the SM-6 missile inventory. The goals and objectives of the Standard Missile (LI 2234) line item are to sustain and expand the Navy's advanced air and missile defense capabilities through efficient procurement, production, and lifecycle support.