The SM-2 employs dual-mode infrared and radio frequency guidance to defeat target countermeasures. The SM-2 has demonstrated success against supersonic, sea-skimming missiles during high-G (gravity force) maneuvers.

"The flexibility and reliability of the SM-2 are unmatched, and it has the longest range of any naval air defense missile in the world," said Ron Shields, Raytheon Missile Systems Standard Missile program director.

"That's why navies around the world continue to select it as their missile of choice for fleet air defense coverage."

SM-2 has been the U.S. Navy's primary surface-to-air fleet defense weapon for more than three decades. It is capable of engaging anti-ship cruise missiles, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The latest versions of the missile feature improved guidance software.

"The SM-2 continues to evolve to meet the needs of the U.S. Navy and allied navies," said Kirk Johnson, the U.S. Navy's Standard Missile program manager. "This weapon system will help us counter the expanding array of threats the U.S. Navy faces in the world today."

Related Links
Raytheon
Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com
All about missiles at SpaceWar.com

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