The Navy's Standard Missile-6 has achieved initiative operational capability, a key acquisition milestone that the service originally expected to clear more than two years ago. Naval Sea Systems Command, in a Nov. 26 statement, said the SM-6 tactical missile -- an extended-range, active weapon designed to improve ship self-defense and theater air defense for both sea and littoral forces -- reached IOC with SM-6s loaded onboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Kidd (DDG-100) in San Diego, CA. "We're very pleased to achieve IOC on schedule," said Capt. Mike Ladner, surface ship weapons program manager who is responsible for SM-6, said in a statement. "The SM-6, with its ability to extend the battle space, truly improves shipboard air defense capability. I'm very proud of the entire Standard Missile team on this historic achievement."
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