Raytheon has been awarded two contracts worth $212.8m to design and develop the Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) for the US Navy and for Japan’s Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The first contract, awarded by the US Navy Nato Seasparrow Project Office (NSPO), is for Raytheon to continue production of the missile through 2014 and also includes a $33m option for further production. The contract also includes the supply of miscellaneous spare parts, containers and test equipment for the NSPO consortium-member navies.

Under the second two-year direct commercial sale contract, Raytheon will supply missile components and assemblies to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) for the development and delivery of the missile weapon to Japan’s MoD.

Raytheon Missile Systems ESSM programme director Ed Roesly said: "ESSM is the foundation of our allies’ anti-ship missile defence."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The ESSM is a developed version of the RIM-7 Seasparrow Missile and is used to defend high-speed, highly manoeuvrable anti-ship cruise missiles, surface threats and low-velocity air threats. It also bridges the capability gap between close-in air defence and local-area defence systems. In addition to the enhanced firepower, the missile offers increased performance against smaller, sea-skimming targets, while also being capable of combating threats posed by current and next-generation anti-ship missiles.

The tail-controlled missile features transformational anti-ship missile defence capabilities and upgraded seeker sensitivity, while increased propulsion and greater weapon accuracy provides greater speed and agility to counter threats.

Work on the second contract will be carried out at MELCO’s facility in Japan. Funding will be provided by the Nato Seasparrow consortium, which includes the US, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Turkey.