Australia has elected to continue its participation
in the NATO Seasparrow Consortium Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM)
program that commenced in 1990.
Senator Johnston said the First Pass Approval for the upgraded ‘Block
2’ version of the Evolved Seasparrow missile would lead to a
significant boost in Australia’s ability to defend its fleet
against the next generation of anti-ship missile threats by delivering
a more sophisticated ship self-defence missile to the Navy. The Block
2 upgrade will primarily focus on developing improvements to the missile’s
guidance system.
“The Government is committed to ensuring the safety and effectiveness
of Royal Australian Navy operations. The upgrade of the Evolved Seasparrow
missile system follows on from a number of complementary Anzac class
frigate upgrade projects,” the Defence minister said.
Senator Johnston said the Block 2 missiles would be fitted to ANZAC
Class Frigates and Hobart Class Destroyers.
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.
Participation in the consortium at this level strengthens Australia’s
international relations with NATO, in particular with the United States,
through Australia sharing the risks and costs associated with developing
the upgraded Block 2 missile.
“These arrangements will also offer significant opportunities
for Australian industry to compete for work in the development, production,
integration and through-life support of the upgraded Block 2 missiles,”
Senator Johnston said .
“The Government expects to make a final decision on procurement
of upgraded ESSMs around 2020. The Government is keen to ensure that
every ESSM Block 2 missile that is eventually produced will provide
work for Australian industry,” Senator Johnston said.
The countries that form the NATO Seasparrow Consortium are: Australia,
Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Spain, Turkey and the United States
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