By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Contributor
On April 5, 2024, the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) launched a Standard Missile (SM) 2 during a live-fire exercise, to prepare for ballistic missile defense operations in the Pacific.
The USS Higgins (DDG 76) is part of the Arleigh Burke-class of guided-missile destroyers, destroyers equipped with the Aegis Combat System. Aegis is an integrated naval weapons system which uses powerful computer and radar technology to guide weapons to destroy enemy targets. The launching of the SM-2 missile from the USS Higgins is clearly intended to ensure and refine the destroyer’s ability to track and engage aerial threats such as ballistic missiles.
The USS Higgins, being forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, is intended to play a pivotal role in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force, The successful launch of the SM-2 missile from the USS Higgins is intended to send a clear message about the U.S. Navy’s readiness to defend its interests and those of its allies against any form of aerial threats.This is particularly relevant in the Pacific theater, given China’ known and large arsenal of short, medium and long-range ballistic missiles in position to threaten Taiwan. Most wargame scenarios looking at a possible Chinese attack on Taiwan presume a conflict is likely to begin with a large salvo of incoming Chinese ballistic missiles intended to destroy Taiwan’s defenses.
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The Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) is a fleet-defense missile designed to destroy enemy aircraft and anti-ship missiles in the outer air battle. It is a crucial component of the naval fleet’s layered defense strategy, providing both area defense and ship self-defense capabilities. The SM-2 missile is characterized by its semi-active radar homing guidance system, which requires the launching ship to illuminate the target with its radar until the missile intercepts the target. This feature ensures precision in targeting and effectiveness in neutralizing threats.
While the SM-6 offers over-the-horizon capabilities and the SM-3 is designed to stop ballistic missiles closer the the boundary of the earth’s atmosphere, the SM-2 remains the backbone of the fleet’s air defense.
The development of the Standard Missile series, including the SM-2, reflects the U.S. Navy’s ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving threats. Since its introduction, the SM-2 has undergone several upgrades to enhance its range, accuracy, and lethality. These improvements reflect the Navy’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements to bolster its defensive and offensive capabilities. The USS Higgins’ launch of the SM-2 in 2024 is a continuation of this legacy,
OLAWALE ABAIRE is a researcher, writer and analyst who has written over 75 nonfiction books.
