Evolved SeaSparrow Missile. (Photo: Raytheon)
Raytheon is providing more Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 parts and ESSM Block 1 test equipment for the USN and FMS customers, the DoD announced on 13 May.
‘This is a sole-source contract action pursuant to an international agreement,’ the DoD added.
The latest $9.38 million deal brings the cumulative value of the contract from Naval Sea Systems Command to $17.19 million.
The order combines purchases for the Navy (64%); international consortium nation navies (34%); and the government of Japan (2%) under the FMS programme.
Work will be performed in El Segundo, California (62%); and Tucson, Arizona (38%), and is expected to be completed by September 2022.
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
The offensive against Iran could impact training and maintenance cycles and accelerate the degradation of the US arsenal on top of depleting Washington’s stockpiles.
The UK MoD is scoping out systems to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems, with a focus on low-cost modularity and speed to field.
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