Raytheon Delivers 500th ESSM Block 2 Missile to U.S. Navy, Eyes Future Growth

Credit:Raytheon

Raytheon, an RTX business, has achieved a major production milestone with the delivery of its 500th Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 to the U.S. Navy. This milestone underscores Raytheon’s role as a key provider of advanced naval defense systems and highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance production capacity and meet the growing needs of U.S. and allied forces worldwide.

To sustain the incrAeasing demand for the ESSM Block 2, Raytheon is investing in critical infrastructure, advanced materials, and manufacturing capabilities. The company has outlined plans to nearly double production rates by June 2026, ensuring timely deliveries of this vital missile system to the U.S. Navy and international partners under the NATO SEASPARROW program.

Advanced Capabilities of the ESSM Block 2

The ESSM Block 2 is an advanced surface-to-air missile designed to provide superior defense against a wide spectrum of air and sea-surface threats. Building on the proven performance of its Block 1 predecessor, the latest version integrates enhanced guidance and maneuvering capabilities to improve operational effectiveness.

Key technological upgrades include:

• A dual-mode radar seeker combining active and semi-active guidance, enabling precise tracking of fast-moving targets,

  
  

• Increased maneuverability, allowing the missile to engage highly agile threats, and

  
  

• Enhanced overall performance, providing improved interception success rates across challenging maritime environments.

  
  

These capabilities make the ESSM Block 2 an essential component for both ship self-defense and local area defense, strengthening the ability of naval vessels to respond quickly and decisively to airborne and surface threats.

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Supporting Global Naval Security

“ESSM plays a crucial role in helping to ensure both ship self-defense and local area defense for U.S. and allied navies around the globe,” said Barbara Borgonovi, President of Naval Power at Raytheon. “The continued delivery of this capability is a testament to the strong partnerships and shared commitment among our team, our customers, and our allied nations to equip our servicemen and women with the best defense solutions.”

The ESSM program exemplifies the importance of international cooperation in modern defense. It is managed by the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium, a partnership of 12 nations—Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, and the United States.

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A Legacy of International Cooperation

Established over 50 years ago, the SEASPARROW Consortium is NATO’s largest and most successful cooperative weapons project, providing a framework for shared development, production, and deployment of advanced missile systems. This partnership not only enhances the defensive capabilities of participating navies but also fosters industrial collaboration, technological innovation, and interoperability across allied forces.

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Through the ESSM Block 2 program, Raytheon continues to advance naval defense technology, delivering a system that combines reliability, precision, and flexibility to meet evolving threats. As global maritime challenges grow, the company remains committed to ensuring that both U.S. and allied forces are equipped with state-of-the-art defensive solutions to protect personnel, assets, and mission-critical operations worldwide.