Hundred SM-3 Anti-Ballistic Missiles per Year: US and Japan Scaling Up Production

The United States and Japan are scaling up production of SM-3 missiles to strengthen missile defense.

This is stated on the White House official website.

According to the decision, the two countries will increase SM-3 missile production fourfold.

Annual output is expected to reach about 100 units, compared with a previous level of no more than 24 missiles.

SM-3 interceptor systems have demonstrated effectiveness in intercepting ballistic targets.

However, intensive use has depleted stockpiles, leading to shortages in U.S. Navy inventories.

Through closer cooperation, Washington and Tokyo plan to stabilize supply and further expand production.

The two countries are jointly producing the SM-3 Block IIA missile, the most advanced version of the Standard Missile-3 family.

The system is designed to intercept ballistic targets, including intercontinental-range missiles, during certain phases of flight.

On the U.S. side, Aerojet Rocketdyne supplies solid rocket motors, while Northrop Grumman manufactures composite structures and control systems.

On the Japanese side, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, IHI Corporation and Fujitsu are involved, producing key components including second- and third-stage elements, guidance systems and sensors.

Although the exact division of work is not disclosed, industry sources estimate that the United States accounts for about 60 to 70% of production, with Japan responsible for roughly 30 to 40%.

Militarnyi previously reported that the United States had decided to resume purchases of Standard Missile-3 Block IB (SM-3 IB) exo-atmospheric interceptor missiles.