Raytheon has received a $37.9 million modification to a previously awarded contract to exercise options in support of Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) in-service support and technical engineering support services, the company announced on 14 January.
The ESSM programme is an international cooperative effort to design, develop, test and procure ESSM missiles. The ESSM, an upgrade to the RIM-7 Seasparrow missile, provides self-defence capability and firepower against high-speed, highly manoeuvrable anti-ship missiles.
The contract was issued by the US Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia.
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
The US Navy’s acceleration of its laser weapon development initiatives reflects a decisive shift towards ultimately having a “laser on every ship” across tomorrow’s surface fleet.
The new frigate class’s focus on modularity, speed to build and enhanced armament align with the priorities of the US Navy’s Golden Fleet.
The US Navy is set to invest $30 billion in artificial intelligence, cyber, space and autonomy research and development efforts in FY2026 as the force rethinks how it fights in light of China’s naval rise.
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