USN awards LRIP contract for ESSM weapons
The US Navy has awarded Raytheon a $190 million low-rate initial production contract for Block 2 versions of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM).
Block 2 ESSMs include a new guidance system with a dual mode active and semi-active radar, and this new award represents the transition from the development to the production phase of the navy’s enhanced intermediate-range, surface-to-air missile programme.
The Block 2 variant is due to achieve initial operating capability in 2020, and ESSM is the primary self-defence missile aboard navy aircraft carriers and large deck amphibious assault ships.
‘ESSM plays a critical role in protecting navy sailors worldwide and our international partners share our commitment to evolve this missile,’ Mitch Stevison, Raytheon’s strategic and naval systems vice president, said.
ESSM is also used by other allied navies of the US, and is operational on almost 200 naval platforms worldwide.
The ESSM programme is a cooperative effort managed by a NATO-led consortium comprising 12 nations, namely: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and the United States.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.
-
Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first
On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.
-
US senators raise Russian concerns over unprepared Coast Guard fleet
US Congress senators have warned that the US Coast Guard’s fleet cannot protect Arctic waters against Russian naval capabilities.
-
New deal to make AUKUS cooperation easier
The AUKUS agreement will support Australia’s purchase of at least eight nuclear-powered submarines under pillar one. Other pillars of the agreement cover high technology such as cyber, unmanned systems, AI, EW, undersea capabilities and information sharing between the three countries.
-
Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.