RAN to acquire SM2 Block IIIC and SM6

The RAN will arm itself with Raytheon SM2 Block IIIC and SM6 missiles under a $7 billion agreement with the United States.

The SM2 Block IIIC and SM6 are said by Defence to be the most advanced air and missile defence weapons in the world and will be progressively deployed across Navy’s Hobart-class destroyers and, in the future, the Hunter-class frigates. Their acquisition follows the recent successful test firing of an SM6 from HMAS Sydney in Hawaii.

The SM2 Block IIIC and SM6 contain advanced technologies that will greatly enhance the lethality and effectiveness of RAN ships in line with the National Defence Strategy and the Independent Analysis into Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet, says Defence.

“The Standard Missile 6 and Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC will enable our Navy to strike maritime, land and air targets at long-range, and provide a terminal ballistic missile defence capability, boosting the capacity for the ADF to safeguard Australians and their interests,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles.

The SM2 Block IIIC brings active seeker technology and significantly enhanced defensive capabilities against missile threats. The SM6 missile will provide Australia with extended range air defence capability against air and missile threats, an offensive anti-ship capability and, for the first time, a terminal ballistic missile defence capability.

“This is a significant milestone that supports Australia’s strategy of denial and deterrence against potential adversaries, while also supporting a foundation for regional stability,” said Mr Ohad Katz, managing director of Raytheon Australia who welcomed the news. “As a strategic partner in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise, we engage regularly with the Australian Government and Defence to ensure that we are doing our part to grow Australia’s strong industrial base that will be critical to support national security outcomes for decades to come.”

“Australia faces the most complex geo-strategic environment since the Second World War,” according to the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy. “Australia was the first country, other than the United States, to fire the SM-6 missile, underscoring the strength of our alliance.”

The missiles will be paired with the latest version of the Aegis combat system, Baseline 9, which will equip both the Hobart-class and the Hunter-class as well as the RAN’s planned Large Optionally crewed Surface Vessels (LOSV) which will be able to carry and fire these weapons using the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) that is part of the Aegis combat system.

The SM2 Block IIIC and SM6 complement existing capabilities such as ESSM Block 2 and Naval Strike Missile as part of a layered strike and missile defence capability for Navy’s surface combatant fleet.