The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Canada of Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) Block IIIC missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $500 million. This proposed sale will provide Canada with SM-2 Block IIIC missiles for installation on its planned 15 Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) ships, ensuring its ability to operate alongside U.S. and Allied naval forces against the full spectrum of naval threats. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal U.S. contractor will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, AZ.
The Government of Canada has requested to buy one hundred (100) Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) Block IIIC missiles; and one hundred (100) MK 13 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) (canisters modified to employ the SM-2 Block IIIC missile). Also included is obsolescence engineering; integration and test activity associated with production of subject missiles; canister handling and loading/unloading equipment and associated spares; training and training equipment/aids; technical publications and data; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $500 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capability of Canada, a NATO ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress and a contributor to military, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world. Canada will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. Implementation of the proposed sale will require U.S. Government and contractor personnel to visit Canada on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical oversight and support requirements, including program and technical reviews.
The SM-2 (Standard Missile 2) family was developed to provide air and cruise missile defense as part of the Aegis Combat System on U.S. Navy ships. The missile chases threats closer to the water’s surface, defending against anti-ship missiles and aircraft out to 90 nautical miles.The SM-2 has an extensive flight test history, with more than 2,700 successful live firings. Its durability has led navies in several countries to reconfigure their fleets to support SM-2 applications. The SM-2 Medium Range Block IIIC will incorporate the active homing seeker of the SM-6 ERAM into the existing SM-2 airframe.
