Standard Missile Improvements

The Standard Missile Improvements program (PE 0604366N) is a Navy initiative focused on advancing the capabilities of the Standard Missile (SM) family to support Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) for the fleet. The goal is to enhance ship self-defense and fleet area-defense against advanced threats, aligning with the Navy's Navigation Plan Implementation Framework, the Joint Warfare Concept, and Distributed Maritime Operations. The program is structured under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation, specifically within System Development & Demonstration (SDD), and encompasses several key projects: Standard Missile Improvement, SM-6 Block IB, and the Standard Missile 6 Program.

Standard Missile Improvement (Project 0439) is focused on the development and integration of the SM-2 Block IIIC and its upgrade, SM-2 Block IIICU. The objective is to transition the SM-2 from a medium-range semi-active missile to an active seeker missile, leveraging technology from the SM-6 Block I. This aims to provide improved capabilities against challenging air warfare threats and to eliminate the need for missile illuminators, enhancing operational flexibility. The project includes systems engineering, design verification testing, material procurement for flight tests, and integration with the AEGIS Combat System and Vertical Launch System (VLS). Efforts are also underway to support future production through Transition to Production (TTP) activities, which focus on refining manufacturable designs and increasing production throughput.

SM-6 Block IB (Project 2063) is an advanced development effort to extend the range and multi-mission capabilities of the SM-6 missile family. The goal is to prototype and qualify a new 21-inch rocket motor, which will provide the Navy and Joint Force with transformative offensive hypersonic kinetic capability. The program addresses urgent operational needs and Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC)-approved requirements by leveraging investments in the AEGIS Weapon System and advanced missile technologies. Current activities include rocket motor prototyping, static fire demonstrations, developmental test and verification, and safety qualification. The program is on a strategic pause pending a restart decision for full missile development.

Standard Missile 6 Program (Project 3092) includes efforts to ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of the SM-6 family. A major focus is on the Electronics Unit (EU) obsolescence upgrade, a joint effort with the Missile Defense Agency to replace outdated components and deliver an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) for the SM-6 Block IA missile. This upgrade is essential for maintaining production and operational capability. The program also includes System Integration and Fleet Engagement (SIFE), which aligns missile technology roadmaps across services and ensures compatibility with evolving AEGIS builds. SIFE supports extended range engagement capability and continuous protection of joint and allied forces against a spectrum of aerial and missile threats.

Transition to Production (TTP) activities are a recurring theme across the SM-2 Block IIICU and SM-6 Block IAU lines. These efforts are designed to bridge the gap between development and full-rate production by refining manufacturing processes, updating technical data packages, and integrating lessons learned from engineering and manufacturing development. The intent is to ensure production scalability and responsiveness to increasing fleet demands.

The Future Combat System Integration component supports the integration of SM improvements with new ship classes, such as the DDG 51 Flight III, and ensures compatibility with advanced radar systems like the S-Band AMDR. This includes requirements analysis, technical documentation, risk assessment, and a schedule of developmental and operational testing at various Navy and contractor facilities. These integration efforts are vital for the successful deployment of upgraded missiles on current and future platforms.