Raytheon Lands $833M US Navy ESSM Block 2 Deal for 12-Nation Consortium
The US Navy has awarded Raytheon an approximately $833-million contract modification to produce additional Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 assemblies and associated containers for 12 countries.
The contract supports the NATO SEASPARROW Surface Missile System (NSSMS) consortium, which includes Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the US.
Work will be carried out across more than 20 locations worldwide, including 12 percent in Tucson, Arizona; 11 percent in Edinburgh, Australia; and 10 percent in Mississauga, Canada.
Primarily funded by FY2026 US Navy and allied contributions with smaller amounts from prior years, the effort is expected to be completed by September 2030.
ESSM
The NSSMS oversees the ESSM program, a ship-launched missile that protects surface combatants like aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and cruisers from fast, low-flying, and maneuverable systems, such as aircraft, drones, and supersonic anti-ship missiles.
Its Block 2 configuration adds an active radar seeker for independent terminal homing, better maneuverability, and software adaptability against advanced threats.
Measuring 3.66 meters (12 feet) long and weighing around 280 kilograms (617 pounds), the surface-to-air missile can travel at a speed of Mach 4 (4,939 kilometers/3,069 miles per hour) and achieve ranges of 50 to 70 kilometers (31 to 44 miles).
