Raytheon (RTX) SM-3 Block IIA vs Raytheon (RTX) SM-6
Full specs: Raytheon (RTX) SM-3 Block IIA Raytheon (RTX) SM-6
Raytheon (RTX) SM-3 Block IIA and Raytheon (RTX) SM-6 are both missile, compared here on public specifications. The Raytheon (RTX) SM-3 Block IIA leads on range (2,500 vs 240 km).
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Full data
Full spec sheet
| Performance | ||
| Max speed (Mach) (Mach) | 13.5 Mach ✓ | 3.5 Mach |
| Range (km) | 2,500 km ✓ | 240 km |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 6.55 m | 6.6 m |
| Combat weight (kg) | 1,500 kg | 1,500 kg |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | $28,000,000 | $4,300,000 ✓ |
| Units built | 250 | 500 ✓ |
| Operator countries | 2 | 5 ✓ |
Frequently asked questions
Which has the longer range? +
The Raytheon (RTX) SM-3 Block IIA has the longest range at 2,500 km.
Which is cheaper? +
The Raytheon (RTX) SM-6 has the lower public unit-cost figure at 4,300,000 USD. Treat this as directional, defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.
Which has the higher max speed (mach)? +
The Raytheon (RTX) SM-3 Block IIA has the higher max speed (mach) at 13.5 Mach.
Which has the higher units built? +
The Raytheon (RTX) SM-6 has the higher units built at 500.
Which has the higher operator countries? +
The Raytheon (RTX) SM-6 has the higher operator countries at 5.
Is the Raytheon (RTX) SM-3 Block IIA better than the Raytheon (RTX) SM-6? +
On the public specs we track, the Raytheon (RTX) SM-6 leads on 3 of 5 headline metrics, see the full spec sheet for the metric-by-metric breakdown.
Where does this comparison data come from? +
Every figure in the table is sourced from public manufacturer pages, defense-ministry releases and reference publications, and is verifiable on each system's spec page. WeaponSpecs does not accept vendor placement.
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