U.S. Department of War Signs SM-3 Production Deals with Boeing

The U.S. Department of War signed seven-year framework agreements with The Boeing Company and RTX Corporation to accelerate the production of critical hardware for the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) interceptor. Under the deals, The Boeing Company will increase the output of avionics and ejector assemblies for the SM-3 Block IB and Block IIA variants, which serve as essential components of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System and U.S. sea-based missile defense.

This initiative is part of the Department of War's Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and place the U.S. defense industrial base on a "wartime footing" to ensure the U.S. Navy fleet receives munitions faster. The move follows a previous similar agreement between The Boeing Company, the Department of War, and Lockheed Martin concerning PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement seekers.

Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, stated that the agreements ensure warfighters receive the munitions necessary to win. Bob Ciesla, Vice President of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems, noted that the SM-3 is an essential part of the layered air and missile defense architecture protecting the U.S. and its allies.