An Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile is fired an in an Exercise. Source: Leading seaman David Cox/© Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence.

BAE Systems has been awarded a $37m contract by the US Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) to design and deliver a prototype deck launching system for the Next Generation Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (NGELS) in support of the NATO SeaSparrow Program Office (NSPO).

The new launcher, leveraging BAE Systems‘ Adaptable Deck Launcher (ADL) concept, will enhance the ship’s self-defence capabilities of the US Navy and its allied countries. The NGELS platform is a fixed-angle launcher designed to mount on the ship’s deck.

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This advanced system will enable the storage and launch of Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs) from Mk 25 missile canisters, also manufactured by BAE Systems. Notably, NGELS can be integrated into large deck platforms, making it adaptable for various naval vessels.

The NGELS launcher will enhance the combat readiness of the US Navy by facilitating the deployment of the latest iteration of the ESSM, the Block 2 variant.

The ESSM Block 2 is a surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missile that protects against advanced air and surface threats. Its capabilities are crucial for safeguarding aircraft carriers and other flat-decked ships.

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According to GlobalData’s “US Defence Market 2022-2027” report, the US is collaborating with European defence companies such as BAE Systems, Thales, EADS, and MBDA on the joint R&D of defence products, primarily due to potential technology transfer agreements with major defence firms, which will allow the country to enhance its technological capabilities.

This system will enable aircraft carriers and amphibious ships to enhance their defensive capabilities, ensuring the safety of naval assets and personnel.

Brent Butcher, the vice president of the weapon systems product line at BAE Systems, expressed the company’s excitement about the NGELS contract, stating, “We have a long history of providing missile integration, launching systems, and cannister design to the US Navy. 

NGELS leverages the expertise of our workforce to provide a ready-to-deploy system that enhances mission effectiveness and enables reliable ship defence for the US Navy. We look forward to working with our customers to bring this enhanced capability to the fleet and introducing it to international users.”

With their commitment to providing solutions to the US Navy, BAE Systems continues to play a role in strengthening national defence capabilities and supporting allied nations in maintaining maritime security.

In 2018, Mexico requested a sale of Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles from the US. Under the proposed deal, Mexico intended to acquire six Evolved Seasparrow tactical missiles and two Evolved Seasparrow telemetry missiles.

The same year, Finland also purchased Evolved SEASPARROW Missiles (ESSM) and ESSM inert operational missiles from the US Government.