The SM-6 tactical missile has reached initial operation capability, the US Navy announced on Wednesday, with SM-6s successfully loaded onboard USS Kidd (DDG 100) in San Diego, Calif.
The SM-6 is designed to provide naval vessels with extended range protection against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
“We’re very pleased to achieve [initial operational capability] on schedule,” said Capt. Mike Ladner, the major program manager of Surface Ship Weapons, whose portfolio includes SM-6. “The SM-6, with its ability to extend the battle space, truly improves shipboard air defense capability. I’m very proud of the entire Standard Missile team on this historic achievement.”
SM-6 has entered full rate production and the program has already delivered 50 missiles ahead of schedule and under budget. Follow-on test and evaluation will continue in 2013 and 2014 to validate the integrated fire control capability in an operationally realistic environment.
[mappress] Press Release, November 29, 2013