Mexico requests ESSMs from US government
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale of Evolved Seasparrow tactical missiles (ESSM) and Evolved Seasparrow telemetry missiles to Mexico, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 9 August.
In a package worth $41 million, Mexico has requested six ESSM and two Evolved Seasparrow telemetry missiles. The requested package also includes one MK56 VLS launcher, eight MK30 canisters, eight MK783 shipping containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, training and engineering support services.
Mexico intends to use the weapons systems on its Sigma 10514 class vessel. The systems will provide enhanced capabilities in effective defence of critical sea lanes.
If the sale goes ahead, Raytheon Missile Systems will be the prime contractor.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Quantum sensing gathers pace as navies eye undersea advantage
As AI dominates defence conversations, industry increasingly points to quantum sensing as the technology set to change submarine and uncrewed underwater vehicle operations.
-
Competitive P17B tender marks a shift in Indian Navy frigate procurement
The Indian Navy's P17B programme is expected to combine greater weapons capacity with a competitive domestic construction model, although key systems could remain dependent on international supply chains.
-
How France’s SNLE 3G programme is reshaping the naval nuclear industrial base
Extending far beyond a four-submarine replacement programme, France’s ballistic missile submarine effort is a decades-long industrial initiative designed to preserve the country’s ability to build and sustain nuclear-powered strategic platforms.
-
China’s mineral processing dominance exposes naval supply chain vulnerabilities
Competition for critical minerals, and China’s dominance of their processing, is emerging as a decisive factor in future naval procurement programmes.