BAE Secures $270M Contract to Boost Sea Sparrow Missile Production

BAE Systems Australia has secured a $270 million contract to ramp up production of components for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2.

The ESSM Block 2 is a surface-to-air missile designed to protect warships from anti-ship cruise missiles. It features a range of about 27 nautical miles (50 kilometers), a top speed of Mach 4+, and an active radar homing seeker for terminal engagement without needing the launch ship's radar.

It is currently deployed on the Royal Australian Navy's Anzac-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers.

As the Australian lead in the NATO ESSM Program, BAE has delivered over 3,000 ESSM Block 1 components since 1995, with Block 2 production starting in 2021.