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American defence prime Raytheon has been engaged to produce ESSM Block 2 missiles and spares for the US and allied nations under a $525 million contract with the US Navy.
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ESSM Block 2 is a short to medium-range, ship-launched, dual-mode, guided missile that has increased manoeuvrability and improved performance over its Block 1 predecessor.
The multi-mission weapon system is expected to provide increased flexibility and capability for US and allied navies
“The role of self-ship and local area defence has become increasingly important, and ESSM Block 2 delivers critical capability in this mission,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of naval power at Raytheon.
“By partnering with the US Navy and allied navies, we’re ensuring this versatile system is ready to support our fleets around the world.”
The newest ESSM variant reduces dependence on shipboard illumination and is integrated on a wide variety of combat systems and launchers, delivering improved performance in stressing marine environments and has significant digital processing margin to keep pace with evolving threats through software improvements.
Leveraging learning from other active seeker systems such as Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile and Standard Missile 6, RTX is using common hardware and factory processes across multiple missile platforms to enable cost savings and increased production capacity. Additionally, the consortium continues to invest in test infrastructure and material to keep capacity ahead of demand and accelerate deliveries.
ESSM is managed by the NATO SeaSparrow consortium composed of 12 nations: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, and the United States. The consortium is NATO’s largest and most successful cooperative weapons project and represents over 50 years of international military-industrial cooperation.
