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Standard-SM2ER Bl. 4 (RIM-156) / Standard-SM3 (RIM-161)

Standard-SM2ER Block 4 [USNavy]

Standard-SM3 [MDA]

The Standard-ER anti aircraft missile has been reconfigured with a new Mk.72 booster as the Standard-SM2ER Block 4 to allow it to be launched from the vertical launch system (VLS) on Ticonderoga class cruisers and Arleigh Burke class destroyers.

Based on the Standard-SM2ER Block 4 a three stage Standard-SM3 was developed for defense against ballistic missiles. The ASAS stage was added as a third stage and the LEAP exo-atmospheric kill vehicle functions as a kinetic warhead. After a number of successful tests against target vehicles and mock-up warheads, the Pentagon decided in February 2008 to use SM-3 missiles to destroy the defunct NROL 21 spy sat.

Vehicle Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Standard-SM2ER Block 4 Mk.72 Standard Mk.104 -
Standard-SM3 Mk.72 Standard Mk.104 ASAS Mk.136

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