WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 06th November, 2020) The State Department tentatively approved a $500 million sale to Canada of Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC missiles and launch tubes, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a press release.
"The government of Canada has requested to buy one hundred (100) Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) Block IIIC missiles; and one hundred (100) MK 13 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) (canisters modified to employ the SM-2 Block IIIC missile)," the release said on Thursday. "The total estimated program cost is $500 million."
The SM-2 Block IIIC is a surface-to-air missile designed to protect ships against anti-ship missiles and aircraft up to 90 nautical miles away. It is a cornerstone of a ship's layered defense, according to manufacturer Raytheon.
The proposed sale will provide Canada with SM-2 Block IIIC missiles on 15 Canadian surface combatant ships, ensuring they can operate alongside US and allied naval forces against the full spectrum of naval threats, the release said.
