US Navy orders improved SeaSparrow missiles
Full rate production of ESSM Block 2 was announced in 2022. (Photo: US Navy)
ESSM Block 2 upgrade replaces the largely obsolete guidance section with a dual mode Active/Semi-Active X-Band seeker.
Raytheon will supply RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 missiles for the US and other NATO countries under a US$525 million contract placed by the US Navy.
ESSM Block 2 is a short-to-medium-range, ship-launched, dual-mode, guided missile that has increased manoeuvrability and improved performance over its Block 1 predecessor.
A key feature of the new standard of ESSM is that it reduces dependence on shipboard illumination and is integrated on a wide variety of combat systems and launchers to provide improved performance in stressed marine environments.
Additionally, it has significant digital processing margin to keep pace with evolving threats through software improvements.
More than 4,700 of the Block 1 variant have been delivered and more than 5,200 ordered.
The missile production and development is managed by the NATO SeaSparrow Consortium composed of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and the US.
In September 2022, Raytheon received a $55.5 million contract modification (plus options worth up to $22.8 million) from Naval Sea Systems Command to support FY2021–FY2023 ESSM Block 2 full-rate production requirements for the US Navy and allied navies.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)]()
Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)
In an era of swarming drones, proliferating missiles and saturation attacks, naval air defence must combine cutting-edge effectiveness with low cost per intercept. Israel’s Rafael is applying its long expertise to help navies adapt to emerging threats, while looking to a future of laser technology – and beyond.
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years]()
US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.
