Raytheon has completed design and testing of a prototype dual-band datalink that will enable interoperability between the Standard Missile family of interceptors and a wider variety of radars and ships.

"The dual-band datalink will allow for greatly expanded NATO participation in the European Phased Adaptive Approach," said Dr. Taylor Lawrence, president of Raytheon Missile Systems.

"This advancement bridges a critical technology gap in air defense interoperability between U.S. and allied nations."

Raytheon's dual-band datalink will allow ships that use AEGIS and SMART-L/APAR variants to employ the full range of Standard Missiles. Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom operate more than 20 naval vessels that utilize a variant of the SMART-L/APAR radar system.

"NATO allies operate naval vessels that could play a major role in ballistic missile surveillance and engagement," said Lawrence.

"Raytheon's dual-band datalink will enable our allies to contribute more comprehensively to the full spectrum of ballistic missile defense and frees up U.S. Navy ships to focus on other critical missions around the globe."

In 2009, a joint U.S.-Netherlands study concluded SM-3 could be integrated on a SMART-L/APAR platform, providing non-AEGIS ships a viable missile defense capability. Germany and the Netherlands have seven frigates that utilize the SMART-L/APAR system, and Denmark will add three more by 2013.

Norway and Spain operate AEGIS frigates. France, Italy and the United Kingdom have large surface combatants with the S1850 radar, which is a variant of the SMART-L.