BAE Systems Australia to reveal new Evolved SeaSparrow Missile contract at Edinburgh Parks

A major new contract to boost production of critical weapons components in SA is about to be announced in Adelaide’s north.

More than 20 hi-tech jobs will be created in Adelaide’s north with a $270m deal to significantly boost surface-to-air missile component production to protect Australian and allied warships.

BAE Systems Australia on Friday will reveal the contract to increase production of critical components and assemblies for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block Two at the firm’s Edinburgh Parks facility.

This will increase the workforce of more than 220 people by 24 full-time positions, including four new apprentices.

The SeaSparrow is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile developed to protect warships from advanced anti-ship cruise missiles.

An Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile is launched from HMAS Perth in the Australian Eastern Exercise Area off Jervis Bay, NSW.

HMAS Toowoomba fires an Evolved Sea Sparrow missile in the Pacific Missile Range Facility near the island of Kauaâ.

It is in service with the navy’s Anzac class frigates and Adelaide-built Hobart class air warfare destroyers, along with 11 other countries.

BAE Systems is the Australian industry lead in the NATO program to produce ESSM, which has delivered more than 3000 sets of components and assemblies of the Block One model since 1995, with the upgraded Block Two supply starting in 2021.

BAE Systems Australia managing director defence delivery Andrew Gresham said the firm was proud to continue delivering as a trusted partner to Australia’s sovereign guided weapons manufacturing capability.

“Increasing the rate of production of ESSM Block 2 components will ensure Australia and its allies continue to contribute to peace and stability while remaining protected,” he said.

“This contract builds on decades of experience delivering domestic and export guided weapon programs and reinforces our position as a key enabler to the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.”