Article Posted on : - Jul 01, 2014

ESSM is an international cooperative upgrade of the RIM-7 SeaSparrow Missile. A Raytheon photo

CANBERRA (BNS): Australia has decided to continue its participation in the NATO-led Seasparrow Consortium Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) programme by allocating $300 million in the devleopment of an upgraded variant of the missile.

The new Block-2 variant of the Evolved Seasparrow missile will arm the Royal Australian Navy's ANZAC class frigates and Hobart class destroyers to combat anti-ship missiles.

Making the announcement on the same on June 29, Defence Minister David Johnston said that the Royal Australian Navy warships would be better protected against the threat of anti-ship missiles following a decision that opens the way to equip the ships with an upgraded version of the Evolved Seasparrow missile system.

The Government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the NATO Seasparrow Consortium and funding of around $300 million has been allocated to support Australia's participation in the development of the missile upgrade, the Minister added.

The NATO-ESSM programme commenced in 1990.

The Raytheon-built Evolved Seasparrow Missile is used by the US Navy as well as by the navies of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Turkey who are part of the consortium.

Australia expects to make a final decision on the procurement of the upgraded ESSMs around 2020, Johnston said.