Standard Missile-3 Block IIA obliterates target in latest intercept test

Interceptor defends against sophisticated threats

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Oct 26, 2018, 10:56 ET

PACIFIC MISSILE RANGE FACILITY, Hawaii, Oct. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy and Missile Defense Agency completed the second successful intercept of a ballistic missile target by a Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) SM-3® Block IIA missile, the next-gen variant that defeats missile threats outside the earth's atmosphere.

USS John Finn (DDG-113) crew members launched the SM-3 IIA missile, which engaged and destroyed a land-launched target resembling an advanced ballistic missile. The primary objective was a successful intercept, and the mission also evaluated the system's overall performance.

Raytheon’s newest variant of the Standard Missile-3 completed its second successful intercept flight test on Oct. 26, 2018, at the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii. (File photo: Missile Defense Agency)

"This second intercept for the SM-3 Block IIA is a success we share with the Missile Defense Agency and the country of Japan, our cooperative development partners," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "Together, we are building the most advanced solutions for ballistic missile defense."

The IIA variant has larger rocket motors and a bigger kinetic warhead, raising its effectiveness against evolving threats. SM-3 is the only ballistic missile interceptor that can be launched at sea and on land.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2017 sales of $25 billion and 64,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 96 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I™ products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow us on Twitter

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