The United States Navy’s hypersonic missile program is not solely focused on incorporating new interceptors but also on developing hypersonic versions of current missiles deployed on its destroyers and cruisers. This was revealed in a recent report from local media covering a presentation by the Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems, where the design of the new hypersonic SM-6 Block IB missile was showcased.
The Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) family, also known as the RIM-174, is one of the Navy’s primary air defense systems, capable of intercepting cruise missiles, ballistic missiles (during the terminal or reentry phase), and both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles. These missiles are employed on AEGIS destroyers and cruisers in service with the US Navy.
Over the decades, the SM-6 family has matured its design to incorporate new capabilities and functionalities in line with emerging threats. Notably, previous reports have mentioned versions designed for new platforms, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters.
One of the latest developments, initiated in 2018, is the SM-6 Block IB version. Its standout feature is a larger booster, enabling the missile to achieve hypersonic interception speeds.
According to Naval News in a recent publication tied to the Surface Navy Association Symposium 2025 held earlier this month, the new SM-6 Block IB design was unveiled. The design shows a departure from the original version, which featured a 13.5-inch guidance and warhead section complemented by a 21-inch rocket section.
The new design bears similarities to the SM-3 Block IIA missiles, with the first-stage booster being larger than in previous versions. These changes aim to reduce the missile’s aerodynamic stresses at hypersonic speeds.
As of now, beyond the updates reported earlier this month, Northrop Grumman conducted static tests of a 21-inch solid rocket motor in late December at its facilities in Elkton, Maryland.
The company stated: “The solid rocket motor (SRM) meets the US Navy’s request for a low-risk, rapidly developed solution designed to provide the Navy with an extended-range hypersonic capability.”
They added: “The 21-inch motor, developed rapidly and with high performance, also has the ability to significantly extend range and speed across multiple missions, including air warfare, surface warfare, land strikes, and ballistic missile defense.”
Lastly, regarding the roadmap for the development of the new SM-6 Block IB, the US Navy has set Fiscal Year 2024 as the target for the start of low-rate production of the missile, with Initial Operational Capability planned for Fiscal Year 2026.
Cover photo used for illustrative purposes.
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