Air Defense
RIM-174 SM-6
The RIM-174 SM-6 is a US Navy multi-mission Standard Missile made by Raytheon, with initial operational capability in 2013. It combines the SM-2 airframe with the AIM-120 seeker, has a range of about 240 km and reaches Mach 3.5.
United States|RaytheonWhat Is the RIM-174 SM-6? Overview, History and Development
The SM-6, also known as ERAM, combines the SM-2 airframe with the AIM-120 seeker for active radar homing. It first flew in 2008 and reached initial operational capability in 2013. It is about 6.55 m long, 340 mm in diameter with a 530 mm booster, weighs about 1,500 kg and carries a 64 kg warhead. Range is about 240 km (130 nm) for Block IA, while Block IB aims for a much longer range, with official figures classified.
It is used against aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles in the terminal phase and ships, and is deployed on Arleigh Burke, Ticonderoga and Zumwalt ships. US Navy ships used SM-6 against Houthi targets in the Red Sea in 2024, and the first confirmed ship-launched intercept of an anti-ship cruise missile was reported. Price is about US$4 million per missile, from US Navy budget documents. Export has been approved for Australia and Japan, but operators other than the US Navy are not yet fully in service. Rivals include Aster 30 Block 1NT, SM-2, S-400 and HQ-9.
RIM-174 SM-6 Specifications: Range, Altitude, Missiles and Radar
RIM-174 SM-6 Variants and Versions Compared
SM-6 Block I is the first production version, in service since 2013.
SM-6 Block IA is the version with improved motor and a range of about 240 km.
SM-6 Block IB is the planned longer-range version with classified figures.
Which Countries Use the RIM-174 SM-6? Operators and Users
United StatesRIM-174 SM-6 FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
What is the range of the SM-6?
The RIM-174 SM-6 has a range of about 240 km, or 130 nm, for Block IA. Block IB is designed for a much longer range, though official figures are classified.
How much does an SM-6 missile cost?
An SM-6 missile costs about US$4 million, according to US Navy budget documents from the 2020s. Prices change with year and quantity.
How fast is the SM-6?
The RIM-174 SM-6 flies at about Mach 3.5. It weighs about 1,500 kg, is about 6.55 m long and has a ceiling of about 33,000 m.
What can the SM-6 shoot down?
The RIM-174 SM-6 can engage aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles in the terminal phase and ships. It uses an AIM-120 active radar seeker on an SM-2 airframe.
Which countries use the SM-6?
The US Navy is the only operator in full service of the RIM-174 SM-6. Australia and Japan have been approved to acquire it, but are not yet fully in service.
SM-6 vs Aster 30: which is better?
The RIM-174 SM-6 reaches about 240 km at Mach 3.5, while the Aster 30 reaches about 120 km at Mach 4.5, with the Block 1NT version aimed at ballistic missiles. The SM-6 has greater range, and is heavier and costlier.
