Raytheon gets Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile contract

WASHINGTON, May 12 (UPI) -- Raytheon Missile Systems has been awarded a $76 million U.S. Navy contract for long lead material procurement and Block I production requirements for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile.  The ESSM program provides enhanced ship defense and is part of an international effort to design, develop test and procure the weapons system.

This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy and the governments of Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Australia as part of the NATO Sea Sparrow Consortium.

The international partners are paying for 84 percent of the program, with the Navy footing 16 percent of the cost.

There are currently more than 2,000 ESSM rounds in service or in production. Work will be performed in Germany, Norway, Australia, Denmark and across the U.S.