Surface Navy 2026: Raytheon eyes ESSM enhancements to address threats

Enhancements are being pursued for the ESSM system (pictured). (US Navy)

Raytheon is considering RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) improvements to counter capabilities of adversaries, according to Misty Holmes, Raytheon vice-president of Naval Shipboard Missiles.

“We're leaning into capability investments to evolve the ESSM missiles to stay ahead of the threats,” Holmes told Janes on 7 January during an ESSM programme briefing in advance of the Surface Navy Association National Symposium, which started on 13 January in Arlington, Virginia.

Some of the potential enhancements could increase range and manoeuvrability to better neutralise threats down range, Holmes said.

“The threat is evolving,” she said. “We want to keep our system relevant with hardware upgrades and software upgrades.”

For more information about potential ESSM deployments in the US naval future fleet, please seeFeature: US Navy mulls major concept changes for future force .

Raytheon hopes to double production of ESSM Block 2s to about 700 in coming years, increasing to about 400 in 2026 from the 350 annual delivery in recent years, Holmes said.

To achieve this, Raytheon will be relying on its diverse global supply chain that can help alleviate some of the challenges of US funding, which can be hampered by factors such as as continuing resolutions that can freeze budget amounts, she added.

Raytheon is being asked to increase munition deliveries across the board following operations in the Red Sea, she said.