TUCSON, AZ, Oct 6, 2025 – Raytheon has delivered its 500th ESSM Block 2 missile to the U.S. Navy. The company is investing in infrastructure and material to continue deliveries, with plans to nearly double production rates by June 2026.
The ESSM Block 2 features an upgraded dual-mode active and semi-active radar seeker, enhanced maneuverability, and better performance than the earlier Block 1 version, providing defense against air and sea-surface threats.
“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.”
ESSM is managed by the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium composed of 12 nations: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, and the United States.
Source: Raytheon
About Raytheon
Raytheon, a business segment of RTX Corp., is a U.S.-based defense and aerospace company headquartered in Arlington, VA. With origins dating to 1922 and its current structure formed through a 2020 merger, Raytheon develops technologies in missile systems, radar, space-based sensors and cybersecurity. The company supports government and commercial clients across the defense, intelligence, aerospace and space sectors. Raytheon operates alongside other RTX business units, including Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney. Its capabilities include guided weapons, air defense systems, satellite payloads and secure communications. In 2024, RTX reported $80.7 billion in revenue, with Raytheon contributing through defense and aerospace manufacturing, R&D, and international defense contracts.
About NATO SEASPARROW
The NATO SEASPARROW Project is a multinational defense consortium established in 1968 to provide ship-based air and missile defense systems for NATO and allied navies. Its main program, the SEASPARROW Surface Missile System and its evolved version, the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM), protects naval vessels from airborne threats through radar-guided, rapid-response intercepts. The project serves the defense and naval sectors, focusing on maritime security and advanced weapons systems. The NATO SEASPARROW Project Office is based in Arlington, VA.