US Army Fires SM-6 Missile at Target Ship During Sinkex In Australia: The U.S. Army successfully fired the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) missile for the first time. The maneuver took place as the service conducted a live-fire exercise outside the continental United States with its Typhon ground-based missile system.
The system, which can also fire Tomahawk cruise missiles, used an SM-6 multi-purpose missile to successfully sink a target at sea during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 in Australia. Using the Typhon against a maritime target demonstrates an important capability for the system – a capability that is especially critical in the Indo-Pacific.
The SM-6 Missile
The SM-6 is a versatile, ship-based missile developed for the Navy. It is capable of engaging a variety of threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and even ballistic missiles in their terminal phase.
The missile is a key component of the Navy’s Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air system and provides extended-range air defense capabilities.
However, the SM-6 is three kinds of missiles in one package. It is the only weapon that can perform anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, and ballistic missile defense, or sea-based terminal missions.
The SM-6’s Block IA variant has a range of approximately 150-200 miles. The Block IB version is currently in development.
The Block IB is expected to be capable of hypersonic speeds and to feature more advanced targeting features. It will incorporate a larger, 21-inch-diameter motor for greater range and speed.
The Army’s Typhon Missile Launcher System
The Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Typhon is a mobile, ground-launched missile system developed to provide enhanced long-range strike capabilities for Army units.
The system fills a capabilities gap between shorter-range missile systems and long-range strike assets, allowing for precision targeting in heavily defended environments.
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the Typhon features a modular design that enables it to fire various missile types, including the SM-6 and Tomahawk.
On July 16, the Army’s 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force worked with the 10th Australian Brigade as part of a joint, multi-domain land effects coordination cell. This organization was responsible for command and control and targeting for the engagement. They successfully executed the first-ever live fire of the Army’s MRC outside the continental United States.
Conducted in Australia’s Northern Territory, the exercise culminated in the ground-launched firing of an SM-6, which struck and sank a designated maritime target.
“The deployment of the MRC and successful execution of an SM-6 live-fire against a maritime target is another significant step forward in our ability to deploy, integrate, and command and control advanced land-based maritime strike capabilities,” Col. Wade Germann, commander of the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, said in an Army press release.
A Typhon battery consists of four launchers, a trailer-based mobile command post, and other support vehicles and equipment, according to the Army.
The Typhon System Gives The U.S. and Allies Greater Flexibility
This system represents a significant step forward in supporting the interests of the U.S. and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The versatility of the SM-6, and its capabilities to defend against multiple threats, make it invaluable.
In addition to the testing in Australia, the MRC’s deployment in the Philippines – a U.S. treaty ally involved in territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea – comes as Beijing asserts its sovereignty in the area by maintaining a persistent presence of naval and Coast Guard vessels. These ships often participate in standoffs and clashes with rival forces, particularly those of the Philippines.
The Chinese reacted angrily to the deployment.
“The deployment is a move to turn back the wheel of history,” said Lin Jian, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, adding that “it gravely threatens regional countries’ security, incites geopolitical confrontation, and has aroused high vigilance and concerns of countries in the region.”
Beijing has said the Philippines is serving American interests to the detriment of Manila’s own. China has kept up its complaints amid reports of a second MRC deployment to the Philippines. However, the Chinese Coast Guard and Navy’s continuous harassment of Philippine vessels is matched by China’s own missile drills conducted close to Philippine territory.
The Philippines’ military has expressed great interest in the MRC system’s capabilities.
About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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