US Navy orders full-rate production support for Evolved Seasparrow Block 2
ESSM launch from a USN vessel. (Photo: Raytheon)
Latest ESSM Block 2 support contract covers SAM purchases for 11 navies.
Raytheon has received a $55.47 million contract modification (plus options worth up to $22.76 million) from Naval Sea Systems Command to support FY2021-FY2023 Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 full-rate production requirements for the USN and allied navies, the DoD announced on 30 September.
‘This contract combines purchases for the US Navy and the governments of Canada, Australia, Greece, Germany, Norway, Turkey, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark under the NATO Seasparrow Consortium,’ the DoD noted.
Work will be completed by March 2025 at sites in Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Turkey and the US.
The ESSM entered service in 2004. Block 2 anti-air missiles include a new guidance system with a dual-mode active and semi-active radar.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy approaches the award of a follow-on contract for Aegis production]()
US Navy approaches the award of a follow-on contract for Aegis production
Naval Sea Systems Command intends to grant a production agreement for the Aegis Weapon System covering the FY2026-FY2030 period.
-
![AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”]()
AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”
AUKUS has been under the spotlight this week as US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had their first face-to-face meeting.
-
![US Navy acquires additional Most Aggressive Features for Virginia-class submarines]()
US Navy acquires additional Most Aggressive Features for Virginia-class submarines
A follow-on contract awarded to Collins covers the supply of up to eight MAFs to be delivered from 2027.
-
![Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel]()
Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel
The new mothership’s modular design ensures it meets the navy’s needs for future situations in both war and peace.
-
![Thales’ multirole missile delivers “tactical excellence” for UK Royal Navy]()
Thales’ multirole missile delivers “tactical excellence” for UK Royal Navy
The latest trials of Thales’ Lightweight Multirole Missile in two locations proved its effectiveness in combatting real-world uncrewed threats.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November
The article acceptance testing for the TLS is scheduled for the end of 2026.
