SM-3 Missile

Manufacturer: Raytheon Technologies
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
Add to Compare

Guidance System Inertial, command, midcourse guidance with infrared seeker
Maximum Speed Approximately 3.0 km/s for Block IA/IB; up to 4.5 km/s for Block IIA
Launch Compatibility Mk 41 VLS, Aegis-equipped ships and Aegis Ashore
Warhead Technology Kinetic hit-to-kill vehicle, no conventional explosive warhead

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	RIM-161 Standard Missile-3 (SM-3)
Type / Role	Ballistic Missile Defense Interceptor
Country of Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Raytheon, an RTX business
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2005, Block I; Block IA followed in 2006

2. Performance & Range

Range	Approximately 700 km for Block IA/IB; up to 2,500 km for Block IIA, open-source estimates
Speed	Approximately 3.0 km/s for Block IA/IB; up to 4.5 km/s for Block IIA
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Exo-atmospheric, with precise engagement altitude classified
Accuracy (CEP)	Not publicly specified; relies on direct kinetic interception
Warhead Type	Kinetic hit-to-kill interceptor

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	Inertial, command and midcourse guidance
Targeting Mode	Midcourse interception
Launch Platform Compatibility	Aegis-equipped naval vessels and Aegis Ashore
Seeker Type	Infrared seeker on the kinetic warhead

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	Approximately 6.55 m
Diameter	Approximately 0.34 m for earlier variants; 0.54 m for Block IIA
Wingspan	Variant dependent
Launch Weight	Approximately 1,500 kg class, variant dependent
Propulsion	Multi-stage solid-fuel rocket

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	Not publicly specified
Explosive Type	None, kinetic interception
Detonation Mechanism	Direct kinetic impact
Payload Options	Exo-atmospheric kinetic kill vehicle

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long
Deployment Platform	Sea and ground
Target Types	Short to intermediate-range ballistic missiles
Combat Proven	Yes, operationally tested and used in missile-defense operations
Users / Operators	United States, Japan

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 7 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Exo-atmospheric ballistic missile interception capability
Hit-to-kill kinetic interception technology
Compatible with Aegis-equipped ships and Aegis Ashore
Advanced infrared seeker technology
Block IIA provides greater speed and defended area

CONS

Designed primarily for ballistic missile defense, not general-purpose strike
High acquisition and sustainment costs
Performance varies significantly between variants
Dependent on an integrated radar and command network
Detailed performance data remain classified

SM-3 Missile: U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense Interceptor

The Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) is a U.S. Navy ballistic missile defense interceptor designed to destroy incoming ballistic missile threats outside the atmosphere. Unlike conventional missiles that rely on explosive warheads, the SM-3 uses a kinetic kill vehicle to collide directly with the target during the midcourse phase of flight. It forms a major part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system and can be launched from ships or land-based Aegis Ashore installations.

Manufacturer

The SM-3 is produced by Raytheon, an RTX business, with the program developed through cooperation between the U.S. government and allied partners. The Block IIA variant was jointly developed by the United States and Japan and incorporates larger rocket motors and an enhanced kinetic warhead.

Speed and Range

Open-source estimates place SM-3 Block IA and IB speeds at about 3.0 km/s, while Block IIA reaches approximately 4.5 km/s. Published estimates give ranges of about 700 km for earlier variants and up to 2,500 km for Block IIA. Exact performance figures can vary by variant and engagement conditions, and some detailed parameters remain classified.

Cost/Price

SM-3 pricing varies by production lot, configuration, support, and associated equipment. As a historical reference, the Government Accountability Office reported a Block IIA program unit cost of approximately $39 million in fiscal year 2017. More recent contracts are generally reported at the program or production-lot level rather than as a simple public unit price.

- Advertisement -

Key Capabilities

The SM-3 uses a solid-fuel, multi-stage propulsion system, inertial and command guidance, infrared sensing, and hit-to-kill technology. It is compatible with the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System aboard Aegis-equipped ships and at Aegis Ashore sites.

Disclaimer Note

The information provided on TheDefenseWatch.com is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of our content regarding defense and aerospace products, technologies, and specifications, we cannot guarantee that all information is 100% accurate or up-to-date due to the evolving nature of military technology and classified data.TheDefenseWatch.com does not warrant the reliability, suitability, or availability of the information for any specific purpose. Users are advised to consult official sources, such as manufacturers, government publications, or defense agencies, for precise and verified data before making decisions based on our content.We are not affiliated with any defense manufacturers, governments, or military organizations mentioned. Opinions, reviews, and ratings reflect expert analysis but are subjective and should not be considered endorsements. TheDefenseWatch.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this website’s content.External links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. TheDefenseWatch.com reserves the right to update or modify content without prior notice. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policy.