NATO SeaSparrow Consortium delivers 1,000th ESSM Block 2 missile

The NATO SeaSparrow Program (PMX-312) has reached a production milestone with the delivery of its 1,000th Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2. This achievement doubles the cumulative deliveries made since June 2025.

The ESSM Block 2 is a ship-launched surface-to-air missile designed for ship self-defense and local-area defense against advanced airborne and surface threats. It provides a protective layer for vessels and crews in contested maritime environments.

Raytheon, an RTX business, serves as the prime contractor for the production. The program involves a 12-nation consortium consisting of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, and the United States. Established in 1968, the NATO SeaSparrow Project remains one of NATO’s longest-running cooperative weapons programs.