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SM-3
The SM-3 (Standard Missile-3) is a type of anti-ballistic missile used to intercept and destroy incoming short-to-intermediate-range ballistic missiles while they are in space. It is deployed from naval ships equipped with the Aegis combat system and from land-based Aegis Ashore sites.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The SM-3 (Standard Missile-3) is a naval and land-based anti-ballistic missile interceptor, developed by Raytheon as part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system, designed to kinetically destroy short-to-intermediate range ballistic missile threats in their exo-atmospheric flight phase. It utilizes a hit-to-kill warhead, deployed from Aegis-equipped cruisers, destroyers, and Aegis Ashore facilities.
BACKGROUND
The RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) is a ship-based surface-to-air missile used by the United States Navy to intercept ballistic missiles as a part of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. With the Block IIA's range of 1,200 km, the SM-3 is the second longest-ranged anti-ballistic of the US Missile Defense Agency, behind the Ground-Based Interceptor. The SM-3 has also been employed in an anti-satellite capacity against a satellite at the lower end of low Earth orbit. The SM-3 is primarily used and tested by the United States Navy and also operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Standard Missile-3
- Standard Missile 3
- SM3
- Aegis Interceptor
- Kinetic Kill Vehicle
USAGE NOTE
The SM-3 is a cornerstone of global ballistic missile defense, providing a critical layer of defense for the U.S. and its allies against regional missile threats.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to SM-3.
RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies) is the prime contractor and developer of the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), an integral part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, designed to intercept short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
Lockheed Martin is the developer and integrator of the Aegis Combat System, the core naval weapon system used by the U.S. Navy and its allies to detect, track, and engage ballistic missile threats, including launching the SM-3 interceptor.
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is a component of the Department of Defense responsible for developing, testing, and fielding a layered ballistic missile defense system, which includes the SM-3 interceptor as a critical sea-based element.
The U.S. Navy operates the Aegis-equipped destroyers and cruisers that deploy the SM-3 interceptor as a cornerstone of its sea-based ballistic missile defense capabilities. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is responsible for the acquisition, design, and maintenance of these naval vessels and their weapon systems.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is a major Japanese defense contractor that has been a crucial partner in the co-development and production of the advanced SM-3 Block IIA interceptor, contributing significantly to its manufacturing and technological advancements.