ESSM Block 2 is an advanced surface-to-air missile designed to counter a range of air and sea-surface threats. It includes a dual-mode active and semi-active radar seeker, greater manoeuvrability, and improved performance over the earlier Block 1 variant.
“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 programme is managed by the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium, which includes 12 member nations: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, and the United States. The consortium is NATO’s largest cooperative weapons project and reflects more than five decades of international military-industrial collaboration.
