Raytheon has secured a $250 million contract from Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) for the licensed production of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 in Japan.
The direct commercial sale covers the supply of missile kits, components, spare parts, and technical support to MELCO, which will handle domestic manufacturing of the advanced naval missile.
The agreement not only boosts Japan’s missile production capabilities amid rising regional tensions but also strengthens the broader defense partnership between Tokyo and Washington.
Additionally, the deal enhances Raytheon’s presence in the Asia-Pacific defense sector.
“This groundbreaking licensed production deal is the result of a longstanding partnership,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon.
