A new version of a sea-based U.S. missile interceptor has been approved for testing, United Press International reported yesterday (see GSN, May 27).
The Standard Missile 3 Block IB has passed a design assessment and is scheduled to undergo flight testing next year in advance of its fielding with the United States' Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system, according to manufacturer Raytheon Co.
"SM-3 Block IB is designed to outpace the evolving ballistic missile threats," Taylor Lawrence, president of Raytheon Missile Systems, said in a release.
As for the current interceptor model, Lawrence called SM-3 Block IA "a mature, proven system that is protecting the United States and its allies today."
Another series of advanced interceptors, the Block IIA, as of last month has been authorized to move to the next step in the design process. Developers are aiming to make the Block IIA missiles -- which are being developed with help from Japan -- faster and more precise than previous models. The weapon could be tested in 2012 and deployed by 2014-15 (United Press International, July 14).