The Pentagon signed a 6,3 billion USD contract with Raytheon on 8/10 for the urgent supply of SM-3 Block IB air defense missiles. This five-year agreement, with a two-year extension option, is one of five framework agreements signed in February. It comes as the US military faces a significant shortage of air defense missiles due to their frequent use against Iranian retaliation in the Middle East. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) identifies the SM-3 Block IB as one of 7 critical munition types the US military is lacking, alongside Patriot, THAAD, PrSM ballistic missiles, and Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Phil Jasper, president of Raytheon, stated, "The SM-3 Block IB has proven its critical role in real combat. This contract helps ensure the ability to replenish stockpiles and keep pace with the evolving threats faced by the US Navy and its partners globally." In March, security, defense, and foreign policy experts warned that the extensive use of interceptor missiles by the US military in potential conflict with Iran could pose strategic risks to key defense capabilities, especially if engagements escalate into prolonged conflicts.

An SM-3 missile exits a vertical launch tube on a US warship. Photo: RTX.

The SM-3 Block IB, with a range of 900-1,200 km, destroys targets using kinetic energy rather than an explosive warhead. It is designed to intercept short and medium-range ballistic missiles in their mid-course phase, before they descend towards their targets. Each SM-3 Block IB missile costs approximately 9,7-12,5 million USD, depending on the production batch and specific contract.

While the SM-3 Block IB can be launched from both warships and ground-based platforms, it is typically deployed on surface combatants due to its extended range and flexible maneuverability. Its first combat deployment occurred in 2024, when the US destroyers USS Arleigh Burke and USS Carney successfully intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles flying towards Israel.

By Nguyen Tien (Defense News, AP, Reuters)