The US Navy has approved the integration of Raytheon’s long-range multirole standard missile-6 (SM-6) on additional vessels equipped with the Aegis baseline 5.3 and 3.A.0 combat weapons system series.

The announcement expands the missile’s deployment from five to more than 35 vessels and is aimed at broadening fleet protection.

Raytheon SM-6 senior programme director Mike Campisi said: "SM-6 is the longest range, integrated air and missile defence interceptor deployed, and its multirole capabilities are unprecedented.

"Since the first deployment in December 2013, Raytheon has delivered more than 130 SM-6 interceptors to the US Navy."

"Its use is transforming how we define fleet defence."

Raytheon will perform final assembly at its SM-6 and SM-3 all-up-round production facility at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, US.

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Since the first deployment in December 2013, Raytheon has delivered more than 130 SM-6 interceptors to the US Navy.

The surface-to-air supersonic missile is capable of engaging manned and unmanned aerial vehicles and fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. It can also defend against land-attack and anti-ship cruise missiles.

Featuring active and semi-active guidance, advanced fusing techniques and signal processing and guidance control capabilities, SM-6 uses the time-tested benefits of the SM airframe and propulsion, providing an over-the-horizon air defence capability.

The missile is a key part of the naval-integrated fire control-counter air service.