Missile contract with NATO allies at risk over House spending cuts: Navy - Breaking Defense

The Pentagon is at risk of breaching a missile production contract shared with several allied countries if a spending cut originating in the House makes its way to this year’s defense spending bill, according to the Navy.

The contract, held by Raytheon, is for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile, an interceptor being jointly developed and purchased by the United States and a consortium of 10 NATO countries, plus Australia. An improved version of the RIM-7P missile, ESSM can be fired at higher velocity and will have upgraded seeking capabilities.

In the fiscal 2022 president’s budget the Navy is seeking $248 million for the weapon system, but the House Appropriations Committee recommended cutting roughly $118 million from the program.