Navy awards $525 million to Raytheon for ESSM Block II production

The Navy has awarded a $525 million contract to defense contractor Raytheon to produce Block II Evolved Seasparrow Missiles for the U.S. and other allied nations, according to a press release Monday.

“The role of self-ship and local area defense has become increasingly important, and ESSM Block 2 delivers critical capability in this mission,” Raytheon’s President of Naval Power Barbara Borgonovi said in a statement. “By partnering with the U.S. Navy and allied navies, we’re ensuring this versatile system is ready to support our fleets around the world.”

ESSM Block II is a short- to medium-range guided missile that is ship-launched and dual-mode, and has an increased maneuverability compared to Block I.

Block II also “reduces dependence on shipboard illumination and is integrated on a wide variety of combat systems and launchers,” which allows users to keep pace with threats in different marine environments, according to RTX.

“Leveraging learning from other active seeker systems -- such as AMRAAM and Standard Missile 6 -- RTX is using common hardware and factory processes across multiple missile platforms to enable cost savings and increased production capacity,” according to the company’s statement. “Additionally, the consortium continues to invest in test infrastructure and material to keep capacity ahead of demand and accelerate deliveries.”