ESSM Block 2

The RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile is the short-to-medium range self-defense surface-to-air missile of U.S. and allied warships, quad-packed four to a single Mk 41 VLS cell for dense magazines aboard destroyers, frigates, and carriers. Block 2 upgrades the legacy semi-active guidance with a new active radar seeker based on the AIM-120 AMRAAM, giving the missile true fire-and-forget capability and independence from illuminator allocation.

ESSM Block 2 is produced as part of the NATO SeaSparrow Consortium, tying together more than a dozen navies in shared production and operational support. The weapon has seen combat use in the Red Sea against Houthi anti-ship missile and drone salvos since 2023.

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