RIM-161 Standard Missile 3

{{see also|Standard Missile}} {{Infobox weapon | is_missile = yes | name = RIM-161 SM-3 | image = border|300px | caption = A RIM-161 standard missile 3 (SM-3) is launched from the Aegis cruiser USS ''Lake Erie'' | origin = United States, Japan (Block IIA) | type = Kinetic anti ballistic missile (Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System) | used_by = United States Navy Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Republic of Korea Navy '''Aegis Ashore:''' Romania Poland | wars = April 2024 Iranian strikes on Israel<ref name="MarineInsight2024">{{cite web |title=U.S. Navy Warships Fire SM‑3 Missiles For the First Time To Shoot Down Iranian Missiles |url=https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/u-s-navy-warships-fire-sm-3-missiles-for-the-first-time-to-shoot-down-iranian-missiles/ |access-date=2026-02-02}}</ref> 2026 Iran war<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matisek |first=Macdonald Amoah, Morgan D. Bazilian, Jahara |date=2026-03-05 |title=The First 36 Hours of War Consumed Over 3,000 U.S.-Israeli Munitions |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/05/iran-war-munitions-critical-minerals/ |access-date=2026-04-25 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}</ref> | manufacturer = RTX, Aerojet, (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Block IIA) | unit_cost = *US$9–25 million<ref name="FAS1">{{cite web |first=Ronald |last=O'Rourke |date=2011-04-19 |url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL33745.pdf |title=Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program: Background and Issues for Congress |publisher=Federation of American Scientists |access-date=2011-05-29}}</ref> (2011) *{{US$|link=yes}}18.4m(FY2018)<ref name="DoD_Comp_2018">{{cite web |url=https://comptroller.war.gov/portals/45/documents/defbudget/fy2018/fy2018_weapons.pdf |title=United States Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Request – Program Acquisition Cost By Weapon System |publisher=Office of the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) |access-date=31 July 2018 |pages=1–7}}</ref> *{{US$|link=yes}}11.83m(FY2021) | propellant = Stage 1: Mk 72 booster, solid-fuel, Aerojet Stage 2: MK 104 Dual Thrust Rocket Motor (DTRM), solid-fuel, Aerojet Stage 3: MK 136 Third Stage Rocket Motor (TSRM), solid-fuel, ATK Stage 4: Throttleable Divert and Attitude Control System (TDACS), Aerojet | production_date = | service = 2014–present (Block IB)<ref>{{cite web |title=Raytheon: SM-3 Interceptor |url=https://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/sm-3 |website=Raytheon |access-date=3 May 2019}}</ref> | engine = | weight = 1.5 t | length = {{convert|6.55|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | height = | diameter = {{convert|34.3|cm|in|abbr=on}} for Block I missiles {{convert|53.3|cm|in|abbr=on}} for Block II | wingspan = {{convert|1.57|m|in|abbr=on}} | speed = 3 km/s (Mach 8.8) Block IA/B 4.5 km/s (Mach 13.2) Block IIA<ref name="bd">{{cite web |title=Why Russia Keeps Moving the Football on European Missile Defense |work=Breaking Defense |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2013/10/17/why-russia-keeps-moving-the-football-on-european-missile-defense-politics/ |access-date=2013-10-19 |date=October 17, 2013 |archive-date=2013-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020072138/http://breakingdefense.com/2013/10/17/why-russia-keeps-moving-the-football-on-european-missile-defense-politics/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | vehicle_range = '''Block IA/B:''' {{convert|900|–|1200|km|mi|abbr=on}} '''Block IIA:''' 1,200 km range and flight ceiling 900 – 1,050 km (depending on the type of target)<ref name="bd"/>{{#tag:ref|Range and ceiling figures based on absolute 700s capability shown for Block IIA missile in Figure 4 at linked source—"Breaking Defense".<ref name="bd"/> Intercept capability against an SS-19 Stiletto launched from Kaliningrad against New York is shown as approximately 1,200 km range and 900 km ceiling for a North Sea intercept. Range and ceiling against a hypothetical Iranian ICBM launched against the same target is shown as approximately 1,200 km and 1,050 km respectively in Figure 3 of the same source for an intercept coming from Redzikowo, Poland.|group=N}} | altitude = | filling = Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) kinetic warhead | guidance = GPS/INS/semi-active radar homing/passive LWIR infrared homing seeker (KW) | detonation = | launch_platform = }}

The '''RIM-161 Standard Missile 3''' ('''SM-3''') is a ship-based surface-to-air missile used by the United States Navy to intercept ballistic missiles as a part of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.<ref>[http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/standard_missile/sm-3/index.html Raytheon Completes SM-3 Test Flight Against Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122113856/http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/standard_missile/sm-3/index.html |date=2011-11-22 }}, Raytheon Company, Retrieved 6 September 2011</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=U.S. Successfully Conducts SM-3 Block IIA Intercept Test Against an Intercontinental Balli |url=https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2417334/us-successfully-conducts-sm-3-block-iia-intercept-test-against-an-intercontinen/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> With the Block IIA's range of 1,200 km, the SM-3 is the second longest-ranged anti-ballistic of the US Missile Defense Agency, behind the Ground-Based Interceptor. The SM-3 has also been employed in an anti-satellite capacity against a satellite at the lower end of low Earth orbit.<ref name="briefing">Pentagon news briefing of February 14, 2008 ([http://mfile.akamai.com/18566/wmv/etouchsyst2.download.akamai.com/18355/wm.nasa-global/Administrator/pentagon20080214.asx video], [https://web.archive.org/web/20080218161607/http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4145 transcript]): although no name for the satellite is given, the launch date of December 14, 2006 is stated</ref> The SM-3 is primarily used and tested by the United States Navy and also operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

All SM-3 variants are manufactured by Raytheon and Aerojet, while the Block IIA is developed jointly with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Target acquisition is provided by the ship's AN/SPY-1 radar, and the missile carries the Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile warhead.

In 2008, the US military destroyed its satellite USA-193, at an altitude of 247 kilometers, by firing an SM-3 from the USS ''Lake Erie'' near Hawaii, codenamed Operation Burnt Frost. The use of the missile was believed to be an anti-satellite weapon test in response to a similar 2007 test by China.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=fpifadmin |date=2008-04-01 |title=Arms Race in Space - FPIF |url=https://fpif.org/arms_race_in_space/ |access-date=2026-03-20 |website=Foreign Policy In Focus |language=en-US}}</ref>

The SM-3 was first used in combat during the April 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel, when four to seven SM-3s were fired to intercept at least six Iranian ballistic missiles.<ref name="lagrone20240415" /><ref name="theintercept20240415" /> The SM-3 was later used in the 2026 Iran war including to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles in Turkish airspace.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matisek |first=Macdonald Amoah, Morgan D. Bazilian, Jahara |date=2026-03-05 |title=The First 36 Hours of War Consumed Over 3,000 U.S.-Israeli Munitions |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/05/iran-war-munitions-critical-minerals/ |access-date=2026-04-25 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="NATO_airspace">{{cite web |last=Epstein |first=Jake |date=March 13, 2026 |title=US Navy destroyers are firing top interceptors to bring down Iranian missiles flying into NATO airspace |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/us-navy-destroyers-firing-top-152256321.html |website=Yahoo |access-date=March 13, 2026}}</ref>

==Development== The SM-3 evolved from the proven SM-2 Block IV design. The SM-3 uses the same solid rocket booster and dual thrust rocket motor as the Block IV missile for the first and second stages and the same steering control section and midcourse missile guidance for maneuvering in the atmosphere. To support the extended range of an exo-atmospheric intercept, additional missile thrust is provided in a new third stage for the SM-3 missile, containing a dual pulse rocket motor for the early exo-atmospheric phase of flight.<ref>{{cite web|title=RIM-161 SM-3 Upgrades|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/sm3-upgrades.htm|access-date=2009-11-10|year=2008}}</ref>

Initial work to adapt SM-3 for land deployment ("Aegis ashore") was undertaken for Israel, but Israel chose to pursue development of the Arrow 3. A group in the Obama administration envisioned a European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) and SM-3 was chosen as the main vector of this effort because the competing U.S. THAAD does not have enough range and would have required too many sites in Europe to provide adequate coverage. Compared to the GMD's Ground-Based Interceptor however, the SM-3 Block I has about {{frac|1|5}} to {{frac|1|6}} of the range. A significant improvement in this respect, the SM-3 Block II variant widens the missile's diameter from {{convert|0.34|to|0.53|m|in|abbr=on}}, making it more suitable against intermediate-range ballistic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/land-based-sm-3s-for-israel-04986/ |title=SM-3 BMD, in from the Sea: EPAA & Aegis Ashore |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=2013-03-15 |access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

The highly modified Block IIA missile shares only the first-stage motor with the Block I. The Block IIA was "designed to allow for Japan to protect against a North Korean attack with fewer deployed ships" but it is also the key element of the EPAA phase 3 deployment in Europe. The Block IIA is being jointly developed by Raytheon and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries; the latter manages "the third-stage rocket motor and nose cone". The U.S. budgeted cost to date is $1.51 billion for the Block IIA.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/mda-still-sees-2018-deployment-restructured-sm-3-iia-plan |title=MDA Still Sees 2018 Deployment in Restructured SM-3 IIA Plan |date=7 Aug 2012 |last=Butler |first=Amy |website=Aviation Week Network |access-date=4 April 2018 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

On 15 October 2024, RTX announced that the SM-3 Block IIA entered full-rate production.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RTX's Raytheon SM-3® Block IIA achieves full-rate production approval |url=https://www.rtx.com/news/news-center/2024/10/15/rtxs-raytheon-sm-3-block-iia-achieves-full-rate-production-approval |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=United Technologies |language=en}}</ref>

==Operation and performance==

The ship's AN/SPY-1 radar finds the ballistic missile target and the Aegis weapon system calculates a fire-control solution. The Aerojet Mk 72 solid-fuel rocket booster launches the SM-3 from the ship's Mark 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS). After booster burnout, the booster separates and the Mk 104 dual-thrust rocket motor provides propulsion through the atmosphere. The missile receives midcourse guidance from the launching ship. The Mk 136 third-stage rocket motor then fires to carry the missile above the atmosphere, where required.<ref name="Product overview">{{Cite web |url=http://www.raytheon.com/products/stellent/groups/public/documents/content/cms01_055769.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080522130340/http://www.raytheon.com/products/stellent/groups/public/documents/content/cms01_055769.pdf |url-status=dead |title=Raytheon's SM-3 fact sheet |archive-date=22 May 2008}}</ref>

After the third stage separates, the Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) kinetic warhead searches for the target using pointing data from the launching ship. The throttleable divert and attitude control system allows the kinetic warhead to maneuver during the final phase of the engagement. The warhead's sensors identify the target and guide the interceptor to impact; according to Raytheon, an intercept releases about {{convert|130|MJ|ftlbf kgTNT|abbr=out|lk=out}} of kinetic energy at the point of collision.<ref name="Product overview" />

Independent assessments of early SM-3 testing before 2010 questioned the system's demonstrated success rate and the realism of some target engagements.<ref name="NYTimes1">William J. Broad and David E. Sanger, [https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/18/world/18missile.html "Review Cites Flaws in U.S. Antimissile Program"], ''The New York Times'', 17 May 2010.</ref><ref>Clay Dillow, [http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-05/obamas-proven-missile-interceptor-may-only-succeed-20-percent-time "Obama's 'Proven' SM-3 Missile Interceptor May Only Succeed 20 Percent of the Time, Say Physicists"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404012917/http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-05/obamas-proven-missile-interceptor-may-only-succeed-20-percent-time |date=4 April 2011}}, ''Popular Science'', 18 May 2010.</ref><ref>George N. Lewis and Theodore A. Postol, [http://www.armscontrol.org/act/2010_05/Lewis-Postol "A Flawed and Dangerous U.S. Missile Defense Plan"], Arms Control Association, 5 May 2010.</ref> The Missile Defense Agency disputed those conclusions, arguing that the studies included early developmental tests and did not reflect later operationally configured Aegis BMD and SM-3 testing.<ref name="DoDLive1">{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Lehner |title=Missile Defense Agency Responds to New York Times Article |url=http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2010/05/missile-defense-agency-responds-to-new-york-times-article/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718011530/http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2010/05/missile-defense-agency-responds-to-new-york-times-article/ |archive-date=18 July 2011 |date=18 May 2010 |work=DoD Live |access-date=13 October 2012}}</ref>

Later SM-3 tests included both successes and failures. On 25 October 2012, an SM-3 Block IA failed to intercept a short-range ballistic missile target.<ref>{{cite web |author=Defense Tech |url=http://defensetech.org/2012/12/19/mda-lays-out-2013-testing-plans/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223075722/http://defensetech.org/2012/12/19/mda-lays-out-2013-testing-plans/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=23 December 2012 |title=MDA lays out 2013 testing plans |publisher=Defense Tech |date=19 December 2012 |access-date=13 June 2013}}</ref> In May 2013, an SM-3 Block IB intercepted a complex separating short-range ballistic missile target.<ref>{{cite web |first=David |last=Wichner |url=http://azstarnet.com/business/local/raytheon-missile-passes-an-important-test-flight/article_ae2220a5-e126-51a3-9796-e8ff4476f5e9.html |title=Raytheon missile passes an important test flight |work=Arizona Daily Star |date=17 May 2013 |access-date=13 June 2013}}</ref> On 4 October 2013, an SM-3 Block IB intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile target in what Raytheon described at the time as the highest-altitude SM-3 intercept to date.<ref>[http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1280 Raytheon's newest SM-3 intercepts medium-range ballistic missile target at highest altitude to date] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309133108/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1280 |date=9 March 2016}}. Navy Recognition. 4 October 2013.</ref>

The SM-3 Block IIA, developed jointly by the United States and Japan, began flight testing in 2015. Its first flight test, on 6 June 2015, evaluated missile functions including nosecone performance, steering control, and stage separation, but did not include an intercept attempt.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-japan-missiledefense-idUSL1N0YT08K20150607 |title=US, Japan say first test of Raytheon's new SM-3 missile a success |first=Andrea |last=Shalal |website=Reuters |date=7 June 2015 |access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref> On 3 February 2017, USS ''John Paul Jones'' used an SM-3 Block IIA to intercept a medium-range ballistic missile target.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/05/politics/us-japan-aegis-missile-defense-test/index.html |title=US, Japan conduct successful missile intercept |first=Brad |last=Lendon |website=CNN |date=6 February 2017 |access-date=6 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.usni.org/2017/02/06/standard-missile-3-block-iia-intercepts-target-in-space-for-first-time |title=VIDEO: New SM-3 Block IIA Intercepts Ballistic Missile in Space For First Time |website=USNI News |date=6 February 2017 |access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref> A later Block IIA test from the same ship failed on 21 June 2017 after a sailor mistakenly designated the target as friendly, causing the interceptor to self-destruct as designed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mda.mil/news/17news0006.html |title=17-NEWS-0006: Aegis Missile Defense Test Conducted |website=Missile Defense Agency |date=21 June 2017 |access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2017/07/24/sailor-error-led-to-failed-us-navy-ballistic-missile-intercept-test/ |title=Sailor error led to failed US Navy ballistic missile intercept test |first=David B. |last=Larter |date=24 July 2017 |website=Defense News}}</ref> Another Block IIA test missed its target on 31 January 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/18139/us-missile-defense-test-fails-as-n-korea-plans-parade-with-hundreds-of-ballistic-missiles |title=US Missile Defense Test Fails As N. Korea Plans Parade With Hundreds of Ballistic Missiles |first=Joseph |last=Trevithick |date=31 January 2018 |website=The Drive}}</ref><ref>Helene Cooper and Eric Schmitt, "U.S. test of a missile interceptor fails off the coast of Hawaii, officials say", ''The New York Times'', 1 February 2018, p. A10.</ref> On 26 October 2018, ''John Paul Jones'' detected, tracked, and destroyed a medium-range ballistic missile target with an SM-3 Block IIA launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Kauaʻi, Hawaii.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/Article/1675851/us-successfully-conducts-sm-3-block-iia-intercept-test/ |title=U.S. Successfully Conducts SM-3 Block IIA Intercept Test |publisher=United States Indo-Pacific Command |date=26 October 2018 |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref>

On 16 November 2020, USS ''John Finn'' used an SM-3 Block IIA to intercept a simulated intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) target for the first time. The target was launched from the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll, and ''John Finn'' used off-board tracking data through the Command and Control Battle Management Communications network before launching the interceptor.<ref name="Navy-FTM44">{{cite web |title=U.S. Successfully Conducts SM-3 Block IIA Intercept Test Against Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Target |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2417589/us-successfully-conducts-sm-3-block-iia-intercept-test-against-intercontinental/ |publisher=United States Navy |date=17 November 2020 |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref> The Navy described the event as a test of the feasibility of using SM-3 Block IIA as part of a layered homeland defense architecture, while noting that the missile had originally been designed for intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.<ref name="Navy-FTM44" />

In February 2024, the Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Navy conducted Flight Test Other-23, also called Stellar Sisyphus, off the coast of the Pacific Missile Range Facility. The test demonstrated Aegis tracking and discrimination against a medium-range ballistic missile target with countermeasures, followed by an SM-3 Block IIA intercept of the target.<ref name="DVIDS-FTX23">{{cite web |title=Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy Successfully Demonstrate Aegis Weapon System Capabilities against Advanced Countermeasure Missile Target |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/463534/missile-defense-agency-and-us-navy-successfully-demonstrate-aegis-weapon-system-capabilities-against-advanced-countermeasure-missile-target |publisher=Defense Visual Information Distribution Service |date=9 February 2024 |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref> The Director, Operational Test and Evaluation reported that in fiscal year 2024 Aegis BMD demonstrated the ability to track, discriminate, engage, and intercept a medium-range ballistic missile target with countermeasures using an SM-3 Block IIA.<ref name="DOTE-FY2024-MDS">{{cite web |title=FY2024 Annual Report: Missile Defense System |url=https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2024/other/2024mds.pdf |publisher=Director, Operational Test and Evaluation |date=2025 |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref>

During the April 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel, the SM-3 was used in combat for the first time. The Director, Operational Test and Evaluation reported that two Aegis BMD destroyers successfully engaged Iranian ballistic missile threats targeting Israel with SM-3 Block IB missiles.<ref name="DOTE-FY2024-MDS" /> USNI News reported that USS ''Arleigh Burke'' (DDG-51) and USS ''Carney'' (DDG-64), operating in the eastern Mediterranean, fired four to seven SM-3 interceptors at Iranian ballistic missiles.<ref name="USNI-April2024-SM3">{{Cite web |last=Lagrone |first=Sam |date=15 April 2024 |title=SM-3 Ballistic Missile Interceptor Used for First Time in Combat, Officials Confirm |url=https://news.usni.org/2024/04/15/sm-3-ballistic-missile-interceptor-used-for-first-time-in-combat-officials-confirm |website=USNI News |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref> In the October 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel, two U.S. guided-missile destroyers again engaged Iranian missiles, using a combination of weapons that included SM-3 interceptors.<ref name="USNI-Oct2024-SM3">{{Cite web |last1=Shelbourne |first1=Mallory |last2=Lagrone |first2=Sam |date=2 October 2024 |title=U.S. Destroyers Successfully Down Iranian Missiles with SM-3s, Carrier USS Harry S. Truman Now in U.S. 6th Fleet |url=https://news.usni.org/2024/10/02/u-s-destroyers-successfully-down-iranian-missiles-with-sm-3s-carrier-uss-harry-s-truman-now-in-u-s-6th-fleet |website=USNI News |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref>

During the 2026 Iran war, U.S. Navy destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean were reported to have used SM-3 interceptors against Iranian ballistic missiles approaching or entering Turkish airspace. On 4 March 2026, Turkey said NATO air and missile defense assets in the eastern Mediterranean had intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile headed toward Turkish airspace; USNI News reported that the Pentagon did not identify the firing platform, while later reports identified USS ''Oscar Austin'' (DDG-79) as the destroyer involved.<ref name="USNI-March2026-Turkey">{{Cite web |last=Shelbourne |first=Mallory |date=4 March 2026 |title=NATO Shoots Down Iranian Missile Headed for Turkey |url=https://news.usni.org/2026/03/04/nato-shoots-down-iranian-missile-headed-for-turkey |website=USNI News |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref> Reuters reported that NATO air defenses had shot down three ballistic missiles fired from Iran toward Turkey by 13 March 2026.<ref name="Reuters-March2026-Turkey">{{Cite news |date=13 March 2026 |title=Turkey says NATO defences intercepted third missile from Iran, asks Tehran to clarify |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-says-nato-defences-intercepted-third-missile-iran-asks-tehran-clarify-2026-03-13/ |work=Reuters |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref> ''Business Insider'', citing a defense official, reported that U.S. Navy destroyers had used SM-3s three times to defend Turkish airspace since the start of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.<ref name="BI-March2026-SM3">{{Cite web |last=Epstein |first=Jake |date=13 March 2026 |title=US Navy destroyers are firing top interceptors to bring down Iranian missiles flying into NATO airspace |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-destroyers-firing-top-interceptors-down-iranian-missiles-2026-3 |website=Business Insider |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref> In May 2026, ''The Washington Post'' reported, based on Defense Department assessments described by U.S. officials, that U.S. naval vessels in the eastern Mediterranean had fired more than 100 SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors during hostilities with Iran.<ref name="WaPo-May2026-interceptors">{{Cite news |last=Hudson |first=John |date=21 May 2026 |title=U.S. bears brunt of Israel's missile defense, Pentagon assessments show |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/05/21/us-bears-brunt-israels-missile-defense-pentagon-assessments-show/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref>

==Variants== thumb|SM-3 evolution

The SM-3 block IA version provides an incremental upgrade to improve reliability and maintainability at a reduced cost.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RIM-161 Standard Missile SM-3 AEGIS ABM |url=https://www.seaforces.org/wpnsys/SURFACE/RIM-161-Standard-Missile-3.htm |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=www.seaforces.org}}</ref>

The SM-3 block IB, due in 2010, offers upgrades which include an advanced two-color infrared seeker, and a 10-thruster solid throttling divert and attitude control system (TDACS/SDACS) on the kill vehicle to give it improved capability against maneuvering ballistic missiles or warheads. Solid TDACS is a joint Raytheon/Aerojet project, but Boeing supplies some components of the kinetic warhead. With block IB and associated ship-based upgrades, the Navy gains the ability to defend against medium range missiles and some Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

SM-3 block II will widen the missile body to {{cvt|21|in}} and decrease the size of the maneuvering fins. It will still fit in Mk41 vertical launch systems, and the missile will be faster and have longer range.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The SM-3 block IIA is a joint Raytheon/Mitsubishi Heavy Industries project, adding a larger diameter kill vehicle that is more maneuverable, and carrying another sensor/ discrimination upgrade. It was scheduled to debut around 2015, whereupon the Navy will have a weapon that can engage some intercontinental ballistic missiles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Land-Based SM-3s for Israel – and Others? |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/raytheons-standard-missile-naval-defense-family-updated-02919/ |work=Defense Industry Daily |access-date=2009-11-10|year=2009}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable" |- ! scope="col" | Designation ! scope="col" | Block ! scope="col" | Notes |- |RIM-161A |SM-3 block I |Development version. The SM-3 block I uses the basic SM-2ER block IVA airframe and propulsion * Third-stage rocket motor (Advanced Solid Axial Stage, ASAS, by Alliant Techsystems) * GPS/INS guidance section (GAINS, GPS-Aided Inertial Navigation System) * LEAP (Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile) kinetic warhead (i.e., a non-explosive hit-to-kill warhead) |- |RIM-161B |SM-3 block IA | * 1-color seeker * Solid divert attitude control system (SDACS) |- |RIM-161C |SM-3 block IB |Passed critical design review on 13 July 2009. * 2-color IIR seeker * Throttleable divert attitude control system (TDACS) * All-reflective optics * Advanced signal processor |- |RIM-161D |SM-3 block IIA | * High-velocity kinetic warhead * {{convert|21|in|mm|adj=mid|-diameter}} first-stage rocket propulsion |- |None to date |SM-3 block IIB | * High-divert kinetic warhead * Advanced discrimination seeker |} Table sources, reference material:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-161.html |title=Raytheon RIM-161 Standard SM-3 |publisher=Designation-systems.net |access-date=2013-10-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=RIM-161 SM-3 (AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense)|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/sm3.htm|access-date=2008-02-22|year=2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2009/space-090713-raytheon01.htm|title=Raytheon Standard Missile-3 Block IB Completes Major Development Milestone|first=John|last=Pike|website=Global Security|access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref>

A further SM-3 block IIB was "conceived for fielding in Europe around 2022".<ref name=nti2013/> In March 2013, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced that the development program of the SM-3 block IIB, also known as the "next generation AEGIS missile" (NGAM), was undergoing restructuring. Under Secretary James N. Miller was quoted saying that "We no longer intend to add them [SM-3 block IIB] to the mix, but we'll continue to have the same number of deployed interceptors in Poland that will provide coverage for all of NATO in Europe", explaining that Poland is scheduled instead for the deployment of "about 24 SM-3 IIA interceptors – same timeline, same footprint of U.S. forces to support that."<ref name=alaska>{{cite web|last=Eshel |first=Tamir |url=http://defense-update.com/20130316_alaska-to-pivot-us-missile-defenses-again.html |title=Alaska's Ground Based Interceptors to Pivot US Defenses Against North Korea |publisher=Defense Update |date=March 16, 2013 |access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref> A US defense official was quoted saying that "The SM3 IIB phase four interceptors that we are now not going to pursue never existed other than on Power Points; it was a design objective."<ref name=actmedia/> Daniel Nexon connected the backpedaling of the administration on the block IIB development with pre-election promises made by Obama to Dmitry Medvedev.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nexon |first=Daniel |url=http://www.whiteoliphaunt.com/duckofminerva/2013/03/washington-cancels-four-state-of-european-phased-adaptive-approach.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615195455/http://www.whiteoliphaunt.com/duckofminerva/2013/03/washington-cancels-four-state-of-european-phased-adaptive-approach.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |title=Washington "Cancels" Fourth Stage of European Phased Adaptive Approach – Duck of Minerva |publisher=Whiteoliphaunt.com |date=2013-03-17 |access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref> Pentagon spokesman George E. Little denied however that Russian objections played any part in the decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/world/europe/with-eye-on-north-korea-us-cancels-missile-defense-russia-opposed.html?_r=0|title=U.S. Cancels Part of Missile Defense That Russia Opposed|work=New York Times|date=16 March 2013|access-date=2014-01-07|first1=David M.|last1=Herszenhorn|first2=Michael R.|last2=Gordon}}</ref>

==Operational history==

===United States===

====Missile defense==== In September 2009, President Obama announced plans to scrap plans for missile defense sites in East Europe, in favor of missile defense systems located on US Navy warships.<ref>Peter Baker, [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/18/world/europe/18shield.html?_r=2&hp "White House Scraps Bush's Approach to Missile Shield"] ''New York Times'', 9/18/09.</ref> On 18 September 2009, Russian Prime Minister Putin welcomed Obama's plans for missile defense which may include stationing American Aegis armed warships in the Black Sea.<ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-missile-defense19-2009sep19,0,2726164.story "Russia's Putin praises Obama's missile defense decision"], ''Los Angeles Times'', 9/19/09.</ref><ref>Tom Ricks, [http://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2009/09/17/no_missile_defense_in_eastern_europe "No missile defense in Eastern Europe"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103153854/http://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2009/09/17/no_missile_defense_in_eastern_europe |date=2013-11-03 }}, ''Foreign Policy'', 9/17/09.</ref> This deployment began to occur that same month, with the deployment of Aegis-equipped warships with the RIM-161 SM-3 missile system, which complements the Patriot systems already deployed by American units.<ref name="navytimes 091909">William H. McMichael, [http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/09/military_missiledefense_obama_091709w/ "Obama sharply alters missile defense plans"] ''Navy Times'', Sep 19, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htada/articles/20091004.aspx Article on Sm-3 missile system], strategypage.com, 10/4/09.</ref>

In February 2013, a SM-3 intercepted a test IRBM target using tracking data from a satellite for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.raytheon.com/newsroom/technology/rtn13_sm3_ftm20/|title=Navy Uses Raytheon SM-3 and Space Sensor to Destroy Missile Target.|website=raytheon.com|access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001193614/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 1, 2021|title=Release|website=United States Department of Defense}}</ref> On 23 April 2014, Raytheon announced that the U.S. Navy and the Missile Defense Agency had started to deploy the SM-3 Block 1B missile operationally. The deployment starts the second phase of the Phased Adaptive Approach (PAA) adopted in 2009 to protect Europe from Iranian ballistic missile threats.<ref>[http://news.usni.org/2014/04/23/u-s-deploys-first U.S. Deploys First SM-3 Block IB Missile] – News.USNI.org, 23 April 2014</ref> In the Far East the US Navy and Japan plan to deploy increased numbers of the next generation SM-3 Block IIA weapons on their ships.<ref>Missile Defense Project, "Standard Missile-3 (SM-3)," Missile Threat, Center for Strategic and International Studies, June 14, 2016, last modified July 15, 2021, [https://missilethreat.csis.org/defsys/sm-3/. CSIS website] Retrieved 9 February 2022.</ref><ref>Staff. (23 June 2021). "Washington actively building up Pacific segment of US missile shield — Russian top brass". [https://tass.com/defense/1306331 Tass website] Retrieved 9 February 2022.</ref>

The first use of the SM-3 in combat occurred during the April 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel. {{USS|Carney}} and {{USS|Arleigh Burke}} used four to seven missiles<ref name="lagrone20240415">{{Cite news |last=Lagrone |first=Sam |date=2024-04-15 |title=SM-3 Ballistic Missile Interceptor Used for First Time in Combat, Officials Confirm |url=https://news.usni.org/2024/04/15/sm-3-ballistic-missile-interceptor-used-for-first-time-in-combat-officials-confirm |access-date=2024-04-16 |work=USNI News}}</ref> to shoot down at least six Iranian ballistic missiles.<ref name="theintercept20240415">{{Cite news |last1=Klippenstein |first1=Ken |last2=Boguslaw |first2=Daniel |date=2024-04-15 |title=U.S., Not Israel, Shot Down Most Iran Drones and Missiles |url=https://theintercept.com/2024/04/15/iran-attack-israel-drones-missiles/ |access-date=2024-04-16 |work=The Intercept |language=en-US}}</ref>

The SM-3 has also been used by the US during the 2026 Iran war including to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles in Turkish airspace.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matisek |first=Macdonald Amoah, Morgan D. Bazilian, Jahara |date=2026-03-05 |title=The First 36 Hours of War Consumed Over 3,000 U.S.-Israeli Munitions |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/05/iran-war-munitions-critical-minerals/ |access-date=2026-04-25 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="NATO_airspace"></ref>

In March 2026 an SM-3 was reportedly fired at an Iranian intermediate-range ballistic missile heading for the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Targeted Diego Garcia Base With Ballistic Missiles |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/iran-us-israel-war-updates-2026/card/iran-targeted-diego-garcia-base-with-ballistic-missiles-rb7MdZW1CfwRTauDYHOt |access-date=2026-04-25 |website=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US}}</ref>

====Anti-satellite==== {{further|Operation Burnt Frost}} [[File:SM-3 launch to destroy the NRO-L 21 satellite.jpg|thumb|upright|An SM-3 launched to destroy the failed USA-193 satellite]]

On February 14, 2008, U.S. officials announced plans to use a modified SM-3 missile launched from a group of three ships in the North Pacific to destroy the failed American satellite USA-193 at an altitude of 130 nautical miles (240 kilometers) shortly before atmospheric reentry. Officials publicly stated that the intention was to "reduce the danger to human beings" due to the release of toxic hydrazine fuel carried on board,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/15/AR2008021500307.html|newspaper=Washington Post|title=US to Try to Shoot Down Spy Satellite|first=Lolita C. |last=Baldor |agency=Associated Press|date=2008-02-15}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=DefenseLink News Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Deputy National Security Advisor Jeffrey, Gen. Cartwright and NASA Administrator Griffin|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4145|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218161607/http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4145|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 18, 2008|access-date=2008-02-22|year=2008}}</ref> but in secret dispatches, US officials indicated that the strike was, in fact, military in nature.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/wikileaks/8299495/WikiLeaks-US-and-China-in-military-standoff-over-space-missiles.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/wikileaks/8299495/WikiLeaks-US-and-China-in-military-standoff-over-space-missiles.html |archive-date=2022-01-12 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Telegraph|title=WikiLeaks: US and China in military standoff over space missiles}}{{cbignore}}</ref> A spokesperson stated that software associated with the SM-3 had been modified to enhance the chances of the missile's sensors recognizing that the satellite was its target, since the missile was not designed for ASAT operations.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

On February 21, 2008, at 03:26 UTC, the {{sclass|Ticonderoga|cruiser|0}} guided-missile cruiser {{USS|Lake Erie|CG-70|6}} fired a single SM-3 missile, hit and successfully destroyed the satellite, with a closing velocity of about {{convert|22,783|mph|km/h km/s|abbr=on}} while the satellite was {{convert|247|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} above the Pacific Ocean.<ref>{{cite news|title=Satellite Shoot Down: How It Will Work|url=http://www.space.com/news/080219-satellite-shootdown.html|work=Space.com|date=February 19, 2008|access-date=2008-02-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Navy Hits Satellite With Heat-Seeking Missile|url=http://www.space.com/news/080220-satellite-hit.html|work=Space.com|date=February 21, 2008|access-date=2008-02-21}}</ref> {{USS|Decatur|DDG-73|6}}, {{USS|Russell|DDG-59|6}} as well as other land, air, sea and space-based sensors were involved in the operation.<ref name=DoD-Navy-20080220>{{cite press release|title=DoD Succeeds In Intercepting Non-Functioning Satellite (Release No. 0139-08)|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11704|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226105236/http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11704|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 26, 2008| date=February 20, 2008|publisher=U.S. Department of Defense|access-date=2008-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Navy Succeeds In Intercepting Non-Functioning Satellite (Release NNS080220-19)|url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=35114|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225234718/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=35114|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 25, 2008|publisher=U.S. Navy|date=February 20, 2008|access-date=2008-02-20}}</ref> The use of the missile was believed to be an anti-satellite weapon test in response to a similar 2007 test by China.<ref name=":1" />

===Japan=== In December 2007, Japan conducted a successful test of an SM-3 block IA aboard {{JS|Kongō|DDG-173|6}} against a ballistic missile. This was the first time a JMSDF vessel was employed to launch the interceptor missile during a test of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. In previous tests the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force had provided tracking and communications.<ref>{{cite web|title=AFP: Japan shoots down test missile in space: defence minister|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hYKNf5janYHfOLxdsRH__KSNXVNw|access-date=2008-02-22|year=2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609092458/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hYKNf5janYHfOLxdsRH__KSNXVNw|archive-date=2007-06-09}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/07news0053.pdf MDA press release] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411174752/http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/07news0053.pdf |date=2008-04-11 }}. 17 December 2007.</ref>

In November 2008 a second Japanese-American joint test was performed from {{JS|Chōkai|DDG-176|6}} which was unsuccessful. Following a failure review board, JFTM-3 occurred launching from JS Myōkō resulting in a successful intercept in October 2009.<ref>[http://www.mda.mil/global/documents/pdf/testrecord.pdf JFTM-2 & 3 dates] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911154309/http://www.mda.mil/global/documents/pdf/testrecord.pdf |date=2013-09-11 }}</ref> October 28, 2010 a successful test was performed from {{JDS|Kirishima|DDG-174|6}}. The U.S. Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauaʻi launched the ballistic missile target. The crew of ''Kirishima'', operating off the coast of Kauaʻi, detected and tracked the target before firing a SM-3 Block IA missile.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Japan_Achieves_Third_Ballistic_Missile_Intercept_999.html |title=Japan Achieves Third Ballistic Missile Intercept |publisher=Spacedaily.com |date=November 4, 2010 |access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mda.mil/news/gallery_aegis.html |title=Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Media Gallery |publisher=Mda.mil |access-date=2013-09-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915100116/http://www.mda.mil/news/gallery_aegis.html |archive-date=2013-09-15 }}</ref>

The Japanese Defense Ministry is considering allocating money in the fiscal 2015 state budget for research on introducing the ground-based SM-3. Japanese ballistic missile defense strategy involves ship-based SM-3s to intercept missiles in space, while land-based Patriot PAC-3 missiles shoot down missiles SM-3s fail to intercept. Due to concern that PAC-3s could not respond to massive numbers of missiles fired simultaneously, and that the Maritime Self-Defense Force needs Aegis destroyers for other missions, basing SM-3s on land would be able to intercept more missiles earlier. With a coverage radius of {{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}}, three missile posts could defend all of Japan; launch pads can be disassembled, moved to other locations, and rebuilt in 5–10 days. Ground-basing of the SM-3 is dubbed "Aegis Ashore."<ref>[http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140809p2a00m0na013000c.html Defense ministry mulls introducing ground-based SM-3 interceptor missiles] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812205655/http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140809p2a00m0na013000c.html |date=2014-08-12 }} – Mainichi.jp, 12 August 2014</ref> By October 2016, Japan was considering procuring either Aegis Ashore or THAAD to add a new missile defense layer.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-northkorea-missiles-idUSKBN12H092 Japan may accelerate missile defense upgrades in wake of North Korean tests: sources] – Reuters.com, 17 October 2016</ref>

On August 31, 2022, the Japan Ministry of Defense announced that JMSDF will operate two "Aegis system equipped ships" (イージス・システム搭載艦 in Japanese) to replace the earlier plan of Aegis Ashore installations, commissioning one by the end of fiscal year 2027, and the other by the end of FY2028. The budget for design and other related expenses are to be submitted in the form of "item requests", without specific amounts, and the initial procurement of the lead items are expected to clear legislation by FY2023. Construction is to begin in the following year of FY2024. At 20,000 tons each, both vessels will be the largest surface combatant warships operated by the JMSDF, and according to ''Popular Mechanics'', they will "arguably [be] the largest deployable surface warships in the world.".<ref name="Lia">{{Cite web |date=1 September 2022 |author=Lia Wong |title=Japanese Defense Budget Expansion Includes Two 20,000 Ton Cruisers |url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/09/01/japanese-defense-budget-expansion-includes-two-20000-ton-cruisers/ |website=Overt Defense |access-date=7 September 2022}}</ref><ref name="Mahadzir">{{Cite web |date=6 September 2022 |author=Dzirhan Mahadzir |title=Japan to Build Two 20,000-ton Missile Defense Warships, Indian Carrier Commissions |url=https://news.usni.org/2022/09/06/japan-to-build-two-massive-20000-ton-missile-defense-warships-indian-carrier-commissions#more-97081/ |website=USNI News Blog |access-date=7 September 2022}}</ref><ref name=Yoshihiro>{{Cite web |date=1 September 2022 |author=Yoshihiro Inaba |title=Japan's New "Aegis Equipped Ships": What We Know So Fars |url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/09/01/japanese-defense-budget-expansion-includes-two-20000-ton-cruisers/ |website=NavalNews |access-date=7 September 2022}}</ref><ref name=Mizokami>{{cite web |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a41123804/japan-to-build-20-000-ton-warships/ |last=Mizokami |first=Kyle |title=Japan is Building the Biggest Warships in Asia |date=12 September 2022 |access-date=5 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912200955/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a41123804/japan-to-build-20-000-ton-warships/ |website=Popular Mechanics |archive-date=12 September 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 16 November 2022, the guided-missile destroyer {{JS|Maya|DDG-179|2}} fired an SM-3 Block IIA missile, successfully intercepting the target outside the atmosphere in the first launch of the missile from a Japanese warship. On 18 November 2022, the {{JS|Haguro|DDG-180|2}} likewise fired an SM-3 Block IB missile with a successful hit outside the atmosphere. Both test firings were conducted at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauaʻi Island, Hawaii, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Missile Defense Agency. This was the first time the two ships conducted SM-3 firings in the same time period, and the tests validated the ballistic missile defense capabilities of Japan's newest {{sclass|Maya|destroyer|1}}s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.usni.org/2022/11/21/two-japanese-destroyers-score-in-ballistic-missile-defense-test-off-hawaii#more-99073 |title=Two Japanese Destroyers Score in Ballistic Missile Defense Test off Hawaii |last=Mahadzir |first=Dzirhan |date=November 21, 2022 |website=News Blog |publisher=United States Naval Institute |access-date=November 22, 2022 |quote=}}</ref>

===NATO host countries=== {{see also|NATO missile defence system|Aegis Ashore}}

====Poland==== On July 3, 2010, Poland and the United States signed an amended agreement for missile defense under whose terms land-based SM-3 systems would be installed in Poland at Redzikowo. This configuration was accepted as a tested and available alternative to missile interceptors that were proposed during the Bush administration but which are still under development. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, present at the signing in Kraków along with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, stressed that the missile defense program was aimed at deterring threats from Iran, and posed no challenge to Russia.<ref>US, Poland Sign Revised Missile Defense Accord http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2010/space-100703-voa01.htm</ref> {{As of|March 2013}}, Poland is scheduled to host "about 24 SM3 IIA interceptors"<ref name=alaska/> in 2018.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}} This deployment is part of phase 3 of the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA).<ref name=eucom>{{cite web|url=http://www.eucom.mil/key-activities/exercises-and-operations/BMD |title=Ballistic Missile Defense |publisher=Eucom.mil |date=2009-09-17 |access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref>

====Romania==== In 2010/2011 the US government announced plans to station land-based SM-3s (Block IB) in Romania at Deveselu starting in 2015,<ref>Romania Agrees to Host Ballistic Missile Interceptor {{cite web |url=http://www.america.gov/st/eur-english/2010/February/20100204155405esnamfuak0.8593866.html |title=Romania Agrees to Host Ballistic Missile Interceptor |access-date=2012-08-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210222720/http://www.america.gov/st/eur-english/2010/February/20100204155405esnamfuak0.8593866.html |archive-date=2010-02-10 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/09/172305.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929231527/http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/09/172305.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-09-29 |title=Joint Press Availability With Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi |publisher=State.gov |date=2011-09-13 |access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref> part of phase 2 of EPAA.<ref name=eucom /> There are some tentative plans to upgrade them to Block IIA interceptors around 2018 as well (EPAA phase 3). In March 2013, a US defense official was quoted saying "The Romanian cycle will start out in 2015 with the SM-3 IB; that system is in flight testing now and doing quite well. We are very confident it is on track and on budget, with very good test results. We are fully confident the missile we are co-developing with Japan, the SM-3 IIA, will have proved in flight testing, once we get to that phase. Assuming success in that flight testing, then we will have ready the option of upgrading the Romanian site to the SM-3 IIA, either all of the interceptor tubes or we'll have a mix. We have to make that decision. But both options will be there."<ref name=actmedia>{{cite web|url=http://actmedia.eu/daily/us-defence-official-the-deveselu-base-will-be-equipped-with-sm3-ib-interceptors-by-2015-later-on-to-be-upgraded/45087 |title=US defence official: The Deveselu base will be equipped with SM-3 IB interceptors by 2015, later on to be upgraded | ACTMedia |publisher=Actmedia.eu |date=2013-03-25 |access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref>

The SM-3 Block IIB (currently in development for EPAA phase 4<ref name=eucom/>) was considered for deployment to Romania as well (around 2022<ref name=nti2013>{{cite web|last=Oswald |first=Rachel |url=http://www.nti.org/gsn/article/us-looking-very-hard-halting-development-icbm-interceptor-miller/ |title=U.S. Looking "Very Hard" at Future of Missile Interceptor: Pentagon | Global Security Newswire |publisher=NTI |access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref>), but a GAO report released Feb. 11, 2013 found that "SM-3 Block 2B interceptors launched from Romania would have difficulty engaging Iranian ICBMs launched at the United States because it lacks the range. Turkey is a better option, but only if the interceptors can be launched within 100 miles of the launch site and early enough to hit targets in their boost phase, an engagement scenario that presents a whole new set of challenges. The best basing option is in the North Sea, but making the SM-3 Block 2B ship compatible could add significantly to its cost".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/editorial-rethink-the-sm-3-block-2b |title=Editorial | Rethink the SM-3 Block 2B |publisher=SpaceNews.com |date=2013-02-25 |access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref> The troubles of the Block IIB program however do not affect the planned Block IB deployments in Romania.<ref name=actmedia/><ref>{{cite web|author=de Andrei Luca Popescu |url=http://www.gandul.info/interviurile-gandul/exclusiv-frank-rose-negociatorul-scutului-de-la-deveselu-schimbarile-din-programul-american-de-aparare-antiracheta-au-fost-determinate-de-amenintarea-coreei-de-nord-10833598 |title=EXCLUSIV. Frank Rose, negociatorul scutului de la Deveselu: "Schimbările din programul american de apărare antirachetă au fost determinate de ameninţarea Coreei de Nord "|publisher=Gandul|date=2013-05-06 |access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref>

==Operators==

===Current operators=== * {{flag|Japan}} * {{flag|South Korea}} — Ordered in October 2018.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jeong |first1=Jeff |title=South Korea to buy ship-based interceptors to counter ballistic missile threats |url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2018/10/12/south-korea-to-buy-ship-based-interceptors-to-counter-ballistic-missile-threats/ |access-date=12 October 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181012195410/https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2018/10/12/south-korea-to-buy-ship-based-interceptors-to-counter-ballistic-missile-threats/ |archive-date=12 October 2018 |location=Seoul |date=12 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> * {{flag|United States}}

==== Aegis Ashore ====

* {{ROM}} * {{POL}}

===Potential operators=== * {{flag|Netherlands}} is planning to buy SM-3 missiles for their {{sclass|De Zeven Provinciën|frigate|4}} frigates as part of the Defensienota 2022 (Strategic Plan 2022) to supplement the BMD sensor capabilities. * {{flag|Turkey}} is considering the SM-3s for its upcoming TF-2000 destroyer program. Instead of Aegis guidance, Turkey plans on integrating a more advanced version of HAVELSAN's Genesis architecture and a phased array radar built by ASELSAN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trdefence.com/2012/05/21/lockheed-remains-sole-bidder-for-new-frigates/ |title=Lockheed Martin remains sole bidder for new frigates |publisher=TR Defence |date=2012-05-21 |access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref> Genesis is currently jointly offered with Raytheon as a C4ISR upgrade for {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|1}}s around the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1252|title=Raytheon and HAVELSAN Partner for FFG 7 Fleet Modernization With GENESIS Program|publisher=Raytheon.mediaroom.com|date=2009-04-28|access-date=2013-06-13}}</ref>

==Gallery== <gallery class="center"> File:Standard Missile III SM-3 RIM-161 test launch 04017005.jpg|SM-3 launch from {{USS|Lake Erie|CG-70|6}}, 2005 File:SM-3-launch-USS Shiloh-20060622.jpg|SM-3 launch from {{USS|Shiloh|CG 67|6}}, 2006 File:SM-3 launch-USS Decatur.jpg|SM-3 climb from {{USS|Decatur|DDG-73|6}}, 2007 File:SM-3 climbs into the sky for a satellite destruction mission.jpg|SM-3 climb from USS ''Lake Erie'', 2008 </gallery>

==See also== * ArcLight, DARPA's program on developing ground attack missile based on SM-3's booster * Arrow 3, Israel's home-grown alternative * THAAD, US Army's solution * RIM-174 Standard ERAM, (SM-6) * Comparison of anti-ballistic missile systems

==References== {{Reflist|group=N}}

==External links== {{Commons|RIM-161 Standard Missile 3}} {{wikinews| US military to shoot down errant spy satellite| US Navy successfully destroys disabled spy satellite}} *[http://www.thediplomat.ro/articol.php?id=905 Pros and Cons of Missile Shield in Romania 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716170105/http://www.thediplomat.ro/articol.php?id=905 |date=2011-07-16 }} *[http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2200&tid=1200&ct=2 U.S. Navy Fact File: Standard Missile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116183522/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2200&tid=1200&ct=2 |date=2007-11-16 }} *[http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-161.html Designation-systems – RIM-161 Standard SM-3] *[http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/sm3.htm GlobalSecurity.org – RIM-161 Standard SM-3] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20080225082151/http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/stardsm3.htm Astronautix.com – Raytheon RIM-161 Standard SM-3] *[http://www.armscontrol.org/act/2009_10/missiledefense Obama Shifts Gears on Missile Defense], by Cole Harvey, armscontrol.org, October 2009.

RIM161 Category:Anti-satellite missiles RIM161 RIM161 RIM161 RIM161 Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2010s