Raytheon has selected ST Engineering iDirect’s Manufacturing Competence Center in Belgium to support the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) Block II program.
According to ST Engineering iDirect, the center was chosen for its expertise in high-complexity, high-mix defense production, supported by advanced testing, end-to-end traceability, and robust supply-chain management to deliver contract-level precision and reliability.
The facility specializes in producing secure, resilient, and interoperable communications components — critical requirements for modern naval air-defense systems.
The development follows Raytheon’s delivery of the 500th ESSM Block II to the US Navy in October, as the company moves to nearly double production rates. Raytheon said it is investing in infrastructure and materials to sustain deliveries, with the production ramp-up targeted for completion by mid-2026.
“At Raytheon, innovation is intrinsic to what we do, and we found a partner in ST Engineering iDirect’s European Manufacturing Competence Center that operates from a shared strategic vision,” Vice President of Shipboard Missiles at Raytheon Misty Holmes explained.
“Together, we will pair cutting-edge technology with state-of-the-art manufacturing to deliver unmatched capability to US, NATO, and allied navies around the world.”
“Being selected to support the ESSM® Block II program is a testament to the Manufacturing Competence Center’s dedication to excellence and innovation, and underscores its reputation as a premier European facility for high-reliability electronics manufacturing,” Plant Director at ST Engineering iDirect Tom Hamelinckx added.
Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile
The ESSM represents a generational advance over the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow ship-borne short-range air-defense missile first fielded in 1968.
Designed to counter modern, highly maneuverable, sea-skimming cruise missiles that challenge the legacy RIM-7, the ESSM Block I variant entered production in 2000, offering higher speed and agility through a larger rocket motor, thrust-vector control, and enhanced aerodynamic fins.
Development of the ESSM Block II began in 2015, introducing a dual-mode guidance seeker and an upgraded warhead.
Block II achieved operational service in 2020 and can be launched from both MK 41 vertical launch systems and Mk 29 trainable launchers, enabling integration across a wide range of surface combatants.
The ESSM program is a 12-nation industrial collaboration led by Raytheon Missile Systems, with BAE Systems as the lead Australian industry participant.
In addition to service with the US Navy, ESSM Block II has been integrated into several allied fleets, including the Royal Netherlands Navy’s De Zeven Provinciën-class frigates.
