Raytheon, a division of RTX, has secured a $250 million contract with Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) for the licensed production of the ESSM Block 2 missile.
This Direct Commercial Sale agreement will see Raytheon supplying missile kits, essential components, and offering technical support to facilitate missile manufacturing at MELCO’s facilities in Japan.
Raytheon and MELCO have maintained a strategic alliance for over five decades. This new deal enhances Japan’s self-reliant defense production and deepens the U.S.-Japan defense collaboration.
The ESSM Block 2 is a ship-launched missile with dual-mode guidance, offering superior agility and upgraded performance compared to Block 1. It reduces reliance on ship illumination systems and features modern digital processors.
This missile integrates with various naval combat platforms and is optimized for challenging maritime conditions, allowing software-based upgrades to address future threats.
Japan participates in the ESSM program as a member of the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium, which includes 12 allied nations.
