Displayed publicly at the Surface Navy Association 2026 symposium, the SM‑2 Block IIIC/CU represents the most recent configuration of the U.S. Navy’s medium‑range air‑defense missile. Also known as the RIM‑66P, the variant incorporates a dual‑mode semi‑active and active RF seeker, revised flight‑control features, and upgraded electronics aimed at sustaining fleet relevance for decades to come.
Developed through a phased acquisition approach, the Block IIIC emerged from a rapid prototyping effort that reached interim capability in late 2022, followed by the more formal Block IIICU program. Together, the upgrades preserve compatibility with existing vertical launch systems while enabling greater flexibility in Naval Integrated Fire Control–Counter Air (NIFC‑CA) operations.
