Work begins on NSSMS upgrade

Work has begun on the refurbishment and modification of the NATO Seasparrow missile system (NSSMS) platform and MK 132 guided missile launching system at US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD).

The surface-to-air ship defence system is being upgraded to support deployment of the Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2, which employs an active- and semi-active guidance system to meet current and anticipated future threats.

NSWC PHD is the In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) leading testing of a new servo motor, launcher cell extensions, and qualification of ESSM Block 2 loading and operations

The modification, known as MIN MOD, will include an overhauled launcher that will bring together all of the programme elements to prove and verify required changes as well as demonstrate that the change is fleet ready. It also provides the ISEA with the latest launcher in the fleet.

The NATO Seasparrow Project is an international consortium of 12 nations consisting of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and the United States. The 12 member nations are partners in engineering, development, production and sustainment of the missiles and supporting equipment. NSWC PHD provides advanced technical training to partner allies in support of NSSMS.

Related Equipment in Defence Insight

Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 1