RAN to acquire ESSM Block 2 in $2 billion deal

The RAN will arm its surface combatants with the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 for anti-air and anti-missile defence. Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the purchase of the ESSM Block2 capability is a key pillar in shaping, deterring and if necessary, responding to protect Australia’s interests in a strategically complex environment.

The ESSM Block 2 is manufactured by the multi-national NATO Sea Sparrow Consortium headed by Raytheon on the USA and is capable of defeating modern advanced air and missile threats. It incorporates an advanced active radar missile seeker and has a range in excess of 50km. The first tranche of these weapons have already arrived in Australia for initial integration and testing purposes. The ESSM Block 2 will be embarked in the RAN’s Anzac Class frigates and Hobart Class destroyers which are already armed with the ESSM.

Australia’s defence industry will supply components for ESSM Block 2 production internationally. Australian suppliers include BAE Systems Australia, L3 Harris, and G H Varley; they will continue to support increasing rates of missile production, and further opportunities for Australian industry involvement are being pursued in missile component manufacture and integration.

Australia’s participation in the Consortium provides Navy with access to important technical information, strengthens the relationship with NATO and shares the cost associated with developing a very effective capability for defeating anti-ship missiles.

As Consortium partners, Defence and Australian industry have completed a significant amount of work to develop the ESSM Block 2 to date.