Six SMEs win naval missile contracts

BAE Systems Australia has announced ‘significant contract awards’ to six Australian SMEs as part of the delivery of hardware and software sub-assemblies for the global Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) programme.

BAE Systems and Australian industry partners will deliver sub-assemblies into Block 2 of the ESSM programme under a new three-year full rate production contract with a customer in the United States.

The ESSM is a medium-range surface-to-air missile developed to protect warships from advanced anti-ship cruise missiles and attacking aircraft.

BAE Systems is the Australian industry lead in the NATO ESSM Consortium which oversees the programme of up to 12 nations including the United States, Australia, Canada and Norway.

Six Australian companies have been contracted to manufacture and supply parts into BAE Systems’ manufacturing facilities at Edinburgh Parks in South Australia:

• Ronson Gears
• Electromold
• Calm Aluminium
• Rosebank Engineering
• Toolcraft Australia
• And Russell Symes and Co.

BAE Systems Australia Managing Director for Defence Delivery Andrew Gresham said: “BAE Systems Australia is proud to continue its role in the ESSM program, which ensures the protection of naval fleets around the world.

“These contracts continue the important work undertaken by 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.”

The company said the contracts underscored its guided weapons design and manufacturing credentials and the sovereign capability across Australian industry to deliver this capability into the Australian Defence Force and allied nations.

Each 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 continues to work with towards achieving additional Australian industry workshare in the ESSM programme.”

BAE Systems Australia is responsible for 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.

Picture:
Picture: BAE Systems/ Evolved SeaSparrow Missile launch