Projects
SEA 1428 - Evolved SEASPARROW Missile Project
Project Overview
The Evolved SEASPARROW Missile (ESSM) program is an international cooperative venture by ten of the twelve nations of the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium to develop and produce an improved version of the RIM-7P NATO SEASPARROW Missile. The ESSM will have enhanced speed and maneuverability compared to the baseline NATO SEASPARROW, and will feature quad pack canisters in the 8-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launching System. The aim of the program is to develop an effective defence against the next generation of high-speed, maneuvering anti-ship missiles.
Australia's involvement in the international ESSM program is being managed through Project SEA 1428, which will manage Australia's participation in the development and production phases of the program, and the provision of the ESSM capability into the ANZAC and FFG classes of ship currently operated by the Royal Australian Navy.
Project Sea 1428 will be implemented in 4 Phases:
Phase 1 - Engineering and Manufacturing Development (complete).
Phase 2 - Acquisition of missiles and canisters for outfit, trials and practice allowance and integration into ANZAC and FFG class of ships This phase is further subdivided into:
- Phase 2A - Ship modifications and an interim missile buy to introduce the capability into ANZAC Ships 05-07, (approved) ; and
- Phase 2B/3 - Ship modifications, and missile/canister acquisition for ANZAC Ships 01, 03 and 08-10, (approved).
Phase 4 - Acquisition and through life support of missiles and canisters for outfit, trials and practice allowance and adjustment of RAN missile inventory as necessary to meet the intended weapon stockholding policy (unapproved).
Contacts
TOP
Major Surface Ships Branch
CMDR Andrew Quinn, RAN
Director
Evolved SEASPARROW Missile Program Office
Russell Offices
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Telephone: (02) 6266 0158
Facsimile: (02) 6266 0154
Last updated: 21 Feb 08