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USS Paul Ignatius reaches Stockholm before Baltic operations with Sweden and Finland, following anti-surface SM-6 demonstration
USS Paul Ignatius, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, has arrived in Stockholm ahead of joint Baltic operations with Swedish and Finnish naval forces, following a demonstration of the SM-6 missile in its anti-surface warfare role. The anti-surface SM-6 demonstration underscores the missile's dual capability for both air and missile defense and anti-ship engagements, adding operational weight to the recent U.S. Navy contract to accelerate SM-6 production. The deployment of a U.S. destroyer to operate with newly NATO-affiliated Finland and Sweden in the Baltic Sea carries direct operational significance for NATO's maritime posture in the region.