SM-2 SM-3 Boost Compare
The U.S. Navy's SM-2 and SM-3 missiles are both surface-to-air missiles used for defense against air and missile threats, but they differ in their range, speed, and intended targets.
Range: The SM-2 missile has a shorter range than the SM-3 missile. The SM-2 can engage targets up to 90 miles away, while the SM-3 can engage targets up to 250 miles away.
Speed: The SM-3 missile is faster than the SM-2 missile. The SM-3 can reach speeds of up to Mach 15, while the SM-2 can reach speeds of up to Mach 3.
Targeting: The SM-2 missile is primarily used for defense against aircraft, helicopters, and anti-ship missiles. The SM-3 missile is specifically designed for ballistic missile defense, and is capable of intercepting short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase.
Interception: The SM-2 missile relies on a blast-fragmentation warhead to destroy its target, while the SM-3 missile uses a hit-to-kill vehicle to collide with and destroy its target.
In summary, the SM-2 missile is used for defense against air and anti-ship missile threats, while the SM-3 missile is designed for ballistic missile defense. The SM-3 has a longer range, higher speed, and is specifically designed to intercept ballistic missiles in their terminal phase.