The SM-6 missiles have gained significant attention due to recent developments, deployments, and their multi-role capabilities.
Recent Developments:
- Photographs of US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet carrying what appeared to be an air-launched variant of the SM-6 garnered attention.
- Speculations suggest testing newer capabilities against hostile targets.
- Integration discussions date back to 2018, aiming to enhance US Navy’s combat capabilities.
SM-6 Missile Capabilities:
- Initially designed for surface launch, the SM-6 now serves multiple roles across different branches of the US military.
- Capable of long-range anti-aircraft combat, ballistic missile defense, and anti-surface warfare.
- Used by US Navy and Army for various missions including air defense and land attack roles.
Operational Deployments:
- Utilized against Yemen-based Houthi militants in the Gulf of Aden.
- Deployed in the Philippines, raising concerns from China and prompting warnings from Chinese officials.
- Used in exercises such as the Balikatan 2024 military drills and deployments on the Danish island of Bornholm.
Recent Tests and Milestones:
- Successfully intercepted medium-range ballistic missile targets in tests, showcasing its precision and advanced capabilities.
- Completed multiple flight tests, proving effectiveness in various scenarios.
International Sales and Alliances:
- Approval of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to countries like Japan and South Korea highlights its popularity and demand.
- Considered a pivotal weapon in the US arsenal amid ongoing development of next-generation missiles.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What recent event sparked attention regarding US SM-6 missiles?
- A) Deployment in the South China Sea
- B) Appearance on a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet
- C) Successful interception of a hypersonic missile
- D) Announcement of international sales to Japan
- Which of the following is NOT a capability of the SM-6 missile?
- A) Long-range anti-aircraft combat
- B) Ballistic missile defense
- C) Anti-tank warfare
- D) Anti-surface warfare
- Where was the SM-6 missile deployed for the first time in overseas military drills?
- A) South Korea
- B) Japan
- C) Philippines
- D) Denmark
- What prompted warnings from Chinese officials regarding the deployment of SM-6 missiles?
- A) Exercises in the Baltic Sea
- B) Military drills in Japan
- C) Deployment in the South China Sea
- D) Exercises on the Danish island of Bornholm
- What milestone did the SM-6 missile achieve in a test conducted in late March?
- A) Successful launch from an aircraft carrier
- B) Intercepting a medium-range ballistic missile target
- C) Demonstrating hypersonic speed capabilities
- D) Neutralizing a submarine threat