The U.S. Navy fired two Standard Missile-6 Dual I guided missiles, developed by Raytheon Missile Systems, from the USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG-53) during a recent test event, intercepting a medium-range ballistic missile target at sea in its final seconds of flight. The SM-6 is the new Sea-Based Terminal variant of the company's versatile missile portfolio.

The SM-6 Dual I achieved initial operating capability in 2016 and is on track to achieve final operating capability. It was first tested in a successful flight test mission in August 2015.

“This test showcased the flexibility of SM-6 by providing both anti-air warfare and ballistic missile defense from sea. Combined with its anti-surface warfare capabilities, the SM-6 will play a significant role in protecting U.S. and Allied forces at sea and ashore,” said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, President of Raytheon Missile Systems.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Sea-Based Terminal program will protect against ballistic threats in their terminal phase of flight by using SM-6 missiles integrated into the Aegis integrated missile guidance system.

SM-6 provides U.S. Navy vessels with extended-range protection against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles in the terminal phase of flight, and an offensive capability against surface targets.

In April 2015, Raytheon delivered the first full-rate production SM-6 from its $75-million, 70,000-square-foot SM-6 and Standard Missile-3 all-up-round production facility at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Raytheon has delivered more than 315 SM-6 missiles with continuing production.

About Standard Missile-6

• The multi-mission SM-6 delivers proven over-the-horizon, air defense through the time-tested advantages of the Standard Missile's airframe and propulsion.
• SM-6 uses both active and semi-active guidance modes and advanced fuzing techniques.
• It incorporates the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities of Raytheon's Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM.
• SM-6 delivers multi-mission capability for long-range Fleet Air Defense, Sea-Based Raytheon Company, with 2015 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions.

With a history of innovation spanning 94 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5ITM products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries.