Standard Missile-2 (SM-2MR)

The Standard Missile-2 (SM-2MR) is a U.S. Navy shipboard surface-to-air missile built by Raytheon for Aegis air defense ships. It is launched from Mk 41 and Mk 57 vertical launch systems, uses semi-active radar or infrared terminal homing, and remains in service across U.S. and allied fleets.

Standard Missile-2 (SM-2MR), Medium-range shipboard surface-to-air missile, Munitions

Image source: USS Vincennes launching SM-2MR in 1987

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Raytheon
Type: Medium-range shipboard surface-to-air missile
Service note: 1970s-present
Variants: Block III, Block IIIA, Block IIIB, Block IV

SAM air defense naval

Specifications

Role: Fleet area air defense and ship self-defense
Range: Up to 90 nautical miles
Altitude: Up to 65,000 feet
Launchers: Mk 41 Vertical Launcher System; Mk 57 Advanced VLS
Guidance: Inertial navigation with mid-course command updates and semi-active radar or infrared terminal homing
Propulsion: Solid fuel rocket motor with tail controls

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Primary U.S. Navy surface-to-air weapon for Aegis cruisers and destroyers; Blocks III, IIIA, IIIB, and IV remain in service with the U.S. Navy and allied navies.
Used by: United States Navy

Carrier Platforms

The Navy fact file places SM-2 aboard AEGIS cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and says it launches from the Mark 41 VLS.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer

Guided-missile destroyer

The Navy fact file identifies SM-2 as an AEGIS weapon aboard Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and says it is launched from the Mark 41 VLS.

Sources: Standard Missile

Standard Missile-2 (SM-2MR) Videos

U.S. Navy Standard Missile-2 Live-fire - Eisenhower Strike Group

SM-2 Missile Live Fire With a Purpose (LFWAP) event

Standard Missile-2 (SM-2MR) Images

Standard Missile-2 (SM-2MR), Medium-range shipboard surface-to-air missile, Munitions - view 1 — Source: USS Vincennes launching SM-2MR in 1987

Standard Missile-2 (SM-2MR), Medium-range shipboard surface-to-air missile, Munitions - view 2 — Source: USS Fitzgerald launches SM-2 near Okinawa

Standard Missile-2 (SM-2MR), Medium-range shipboard surface-to-air missile, Munitions - view 3 — Source: USS The Sullivans fires SM-2 during Aegis live-fire test

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Sources

Standard MissilePublisher: U.S. Navy | Note: Supports SM-2 background, shipboard launch context, service history, guidance, and technical specifications. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 SM-2 MissilePublisher: Raytheon | Note: Supports manufacturer context, U.S. Navy role, launchers, range, altitude, and layered ship-defense mission. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 USS Vincennes launching SM-2MR in 1987Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and public-domain licensing for the SM-2MR launch image. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 USS Fitzgerald launches SM-2 near OkinawaPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and public-domain licensing for the SM-2 launch image. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 USS The Sullivans fires SM-2 during Aegis live-fire testPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and public-domain licensing for the SM-2 live-fire image. | Accessed: 2026-06-23