Logo / rtx.com
Author: Kristen Smith || Date Published: November 17, 2025
The Department of State has approved a potential $3.5 billion foreign military sale of Standard Missile 6 Block I and Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC systems to Germany. RTX, which manufactures both missile families through its Raytheon business, is the principal contractor, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Friday.
Germany requested up to 173 SM-6 Block I missiles and 577 SM-2 Block IIIC missiles, along with associated launch canisters, test equipment, engineering services, training and logistics support. The missiles will be deployed on the country’s future F127-class surface combatants equipped with the Aegis Weapon System.
What Capabilities Do the SM-6 and SM-2 Provide?
According to RTX, the SM-6 is a multi-mission effector capable of anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare and ballistic missile defense or sea-based terminal missions. It is deployable on more than 60 surface ships.
The SM-2, used globally by multiple allied navies, including Germany, provides defense against aircraft and anti-ship missiles. RTX has delivered more than 12,000 SM-2 missiles worldwide. The weapon will remain a primary anti-air warfare effector on Aegis destroyers and cruisers for several more decades, RTX said.
Why Is Germany Purchasing the Missiles?
U.S. officials said the proposed sale will strengthen Germany’s integrated air and missile defense capabilities and enhance interoperability with U.S. and NATO naval forces. The FMS package is intended to help Germany counter current and emerging threats and support operations across the maritime domain.
DSCA said Germany will have no difficulty absorbing the systems and that the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
RTX will perform production and support activities in Camden, Arkansas; Tucson, Arizona; and Huntsville, Alabama, under the potential FMS.
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