BAE Systems has received a $37-million contract to design and deliver the Next-Generation Evolved SeaSparrow Missile Launch System (NGELS) to the US Navy.
The NGELS is a deck-mounted system capable of storing and launching the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) ship self-defense system.
It will reportedly utilize the Mk-41 Vertical Launching System to deliver improved surface-to-air and surface-to-surface defense capabilities to aircraft carriers and amphibious ships.
According to company vice president Brent Butcher, the NGELS will leverage BAE Systems’ expertise in providing a “ready-to-deploy system that enhances mission effectiveness and enables reliable ship defense.”
“We have a long history of providing missile integration, launching systems, and canister design to the US Navy,” he said. “We look forward to working with our customers to bring this enhanced capability to the fleet and introducing it to international users.”
Apart from the US Navy, the launching system is expected to support allied forces that operate the ESSM self-defense system.
The SeaSparrow
Part of a 10-nation development program, the ESSM is a medium-range homing missile that provides friendly ships with reliable defense against agile, high-speed, and low-altitude cruise missiles.
It can also neutralize low-velocity air threats, such as drones and helicopters.
The weapon is designed to operate alongside Standard Missile-2, Standard Missile-6, and other air defense interceptors to offer a layered defense.
The ESSM has an effective range of 50 kilometers (31 miles) and a speed of Mach 4.
In addition to the US, countries such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Norway, Spain, Turkey, and the Netherlands co-developed the system.
