The U.S. Navy publicly showcased the SM-2 Block IIIC/CU medium-range surface-to-air missile for the first time during the 2026 Surface Navy Association (SNA) symposium, offering an unprecedented look at the next-generation interceptor designed for surface combatants.
Footage from the event revealed the missile, designated RIM-66P by defense contractor Raytheon, as part of the Navy’s broader initiative to modernize the Standard Missile family. The SM-2 Block IIIC and its follow-on variant, the IIICU, feature advanced capabilities aimed at improving fleet air defense against increasingly sophisticated threats.
Unlike earlier SM-2 variants, which rely on semi-active radar guidance, the new Block IIIC configuration is equipped with an active radio-frequency seeker derived from SM-6 Block I technology. This upgrade reduces dependence on continuous radar illumination from the launching ship, enabling the missile to engage aerial targets more autonomously and effectively.
The missile’s airframe and control systems have also been redesigned. According to Navy testing and evaluation reports, the SM-2 Block IIIC includes a modified dorsal fin and a thrust vectoring jet tab assembly, which enhance control during the critical transition from launcher exit to powered flight. These refinements aim to improve accuracy and maneuverability against fast-moving threats.
The Block IIICU variant builds upon the IIIC design by integrating an upgraded Guidance Section Electronics Unit, originally developed under the SM-6 Block IAU program. This improvement addresses component obsolescence and strengthens the long-term sustainment of the missile inventory. Navy documentation emphasizes that this enhanced guidance package is the key differentiator between the Block IIIC and Block IIICU models.
The U.S. Navy conducted a quick reaction assessment of the SM-2 Block IIIC prototype in fiscal year 2023, which included a live missile firing, extensive modeling and simulation studies, and a cyber tabletop assessment. Officials noted that these tests were intended to support early fielding decisions rather than fully evaluate operational effectiveness or survivability.
Following these initial assessments, the Navy declared interim capability for the Block IIIC in November 2022. Further evaluation steps are underway before the missile achieves full operational status, while initial operational testing for the Block IIICU is planned for fiscal year 2027. The phased approach reflects the Navy’s strategy of incrementally introducing upgraded guidance and electronics into the surface fleet.
Both the Block IIIC and IIICU are slated for deployment aboard Arleigh Burke–class destroyers and future Constellation-class frigates. The missiles are intended to provide medium-range air defense against anti-ship cruise missiles and tactical aircraft, operating seamlessly within the Naval Integrated Fire Control–Counter Air (NIFC-CA) network. This networked capability allows platforms to engage threats using off-board sensor data, enhancing the fleet’s situational awareness and response speed.
Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX, serves as the prime contractor for the SM-2 Block IIIC and IIICU programs. The company is overseeing production and integration activities to ensure continuity across the Standard Missile family and maintain a robust, interoperable air defense capability for the U.S. surface fleet.
The public unveiling of the SM-2 Block IIIC/CU at SNA 2026 marks a significant step forward in the Navy’s effort to modernize its medium-range missile arsenal, offering enhanced flexibility, improved guidance, and better integration within the fleet’s layered air defense architecture. As threats continue to evolve in the Indo-Pacific and other operational theaters, the SM-2 Block IIIC/CU is poised to play a critical role in safeguarding U.S. surface combatants and maintaining maritime superiority.
