ESSM

The Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) Program is a major Navy weapons procurement initiative designed to provide advanced ship self-defense against modern anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) threats. The program is an international cooperative effort among twelve NATO SEASPARROW nations, including the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey. The primary objective is to design, develop, test, produce, and sustain a new and improved version of the legacy SPARROW missile (RIM-7P), with enhanced kinematic performance and guidance capabilities to defeat low altitude, high velocity, and maneuvering threats that exceed the engagement envelope of previous systems.

The ESSM Block 2 Missile Procurement is the central focus of this budget line. Block 2 introduces a dual-mode Active/Semi-Active X-Band seeker, which significantly improves the missile's ability to counter advanced ASCMs, low velocity air targets, surface threats, and asymmetric threats. The Block 2 upgrade replaces obsolete guidance components, enabling the missile to defeat threats with smaller radar signatures, larger raid sizes, and operate effectively in environments with sophisticated countermeasures. Procurement quantities for FY 2026 are set to address both U.S. and consortium partner needs. The U.S. share of production support is approximately 45%, as specified in the cooperative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The Missile Obsolescence Efforts are a critical objective for FY 2026, with resources allocated to design out obsolete electronic components. Specific efforts include redesigning the Side-Looking-Subsystem (SLS) Signal Processor Circuit Card Assembly, re-spinning the Dual Band Transceiver Frequency Reference Unit, and updating the control section electronic control unit (ECU). These upgrades are necessary because commercially available replacements for these components do not exist, and continued modernization is required to maintain missile reliability and effectiveness throughout its service life.

The MK 25 Quadpack Canisters Procurement is another essential line item, supporting the safe storage, transport, and launch of ESSM missiles aboard Navy ships. The program will procure canisters designed to accommodate four missiles each, tailored to specific ship destinations and operational requirements. The reduction in canister procurement from FY 2025 to FY 2026 aligns with the decrease in missile procurement and reflects efficient resource allocation.

The MK 852 Mod 0 Shipping Containers are procured to support Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) platforms. These containers are essential for the transport and loading of ESSM Block 2 missiles onto SSDS-equipped ships. The procurement of these containers is closely coordinated with platform modifications to ensure compatibility and readiness for ESSM Block 2 deliveries.

The Production Support Activities encompass producibility and procurement oversight, security and infrastructure support, configuration management, and hardware maintenance. These activities ensure the missile remains producible, maintainable, and compliant with Navy specifications, while supporting the overall health of the production line and the safety of fleet ordnance.