BAE Australia Secures $50M Guided Weapons Export Contract
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This news is classified in: Defense Missiles / Rockets Contracts

May 11, 2022

BAE Australia Secures $50M Guided Weapons Export Contract

BAE Systems Australia has underscored its Australian guided weapons design and manufacturing credentials by today announcing it has secured a $50 million export contract to deliver critical hardware and software sub-assemblies into the global Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) program.

BAE Systems and an expanded network of Australian industry partners will deliver critical sub-assemblies into Block 2 of the ESSM program under a new three-year full rate production contract with Raytheon Missiles and Defense in the United States.

The ESSM is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile developed to protect warships from advanced anti-ship cruise missiles. BAE Systems Australia is the Australian industry lead in the NATO ESSM Consortium which oversees the program of up to 12 nations including the United States, Australia, Canada and Norway.

Missile Defense System Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F

Missile Defense System Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F

By Range (Less than 100Km, 101-200Km, and 201-400Km), By Threat Type (Subsonic Missiles, Supersonic Missiles, and Hypersonic Missiles), By Domain (Ground and Marine), By Region, Competition, 2019-2029F

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BAE Systems Australia has been involved with the ESSM program from the commencement of the Engineering & Manufacturing Development (E&MD) phase in the mid 1990’s through to Full Rate Production of the Block 1 missile, continuing its support on Block 2 development commencing in 2015.

The company will deliver a range of sub-assemblies including the missile’s thrust vector controller, aerodynamic control fins, fuselage and internal structure elements, telemetry data transmitting systems as well as sophisticated pitch over autopilot algorithms.

The initial contract award covers the first 3 years of full rate production at a base value of more than $50m and up to $40m in quantity based options.

The Block 2 contract will also secure an enduring workforce of 35 engineers and technicians and establish a significant order book for future full rate production.

BAE Systems Australia continues to work with Raytheon Missiles & Defense to achieve additional Australian industry work share, including the upgrade through redesign of existing Side Looking Sub-System.

Up to 33 Australian SMEs including RUAG Australia, Ronson Gears and Astute Electronics will manufacture and supply parts into BAE Systems’ manufacturing facilities at Edinburgh Parks. These local businesses will enable the growth of a significant sovereign supply chain, providing opportunities for future design, integration and advanced manufacturing in country.

BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive, Ben Hudson, said:

“BAE Systems Australia is proud to continue its role in the ESSM program, which ensures the protection of naval fleets around the world.

This contract, alongside our Prime Contractor role on the Nulka Active Missile Decoy, continues the important work undertaken by our employees and our trusted industry partners across Australia which have been delivering guided weapons capability into domestic and export programs for decades.

An established sovereign design and manufacturing capability and network of industry suppliers means we are ready today to extend delivery into more guided weapons programs under the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.”



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