Raytheon secures ESSM Block 2 contract

Raytheon has secured a $190 million low-rate Navy contract to produce ESSM (Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles) Block 2 units featuring a guidance system with dual mode active and semi-active radar.

“ESSM plays a critical role in protecting Navy sailors worldwide and our international partners share our commitment to evolve this missile,” Mitch Stevison, Raytheon Strategic and Naval Systems vice president, said.

The ESSM missile is the primary ship self-defense missile aboard Navy aircraft carriers and large deck amphibious assault ships, noting the weapon is an integral component of the Navy’s layered area and ship self-defense capability for cruisers and destroyers.

Raytheon secured the pact in the wake of the Navy’s decision to shift from development to production on the enhanced intermediate-range, surface-to-air missile, officials said, placing the Block 2 variant on track for initial operating capability in 2020.

The ESSM program is a cooperative effort managed by a NATO-led consortium consisting of 12 nations: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the United States.

Raytheon specializes in defense, civil government, and cybersecurity solutions – providing state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries.