Thailand Selects ESSM for Frigates

21 April 2011

The RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) is a development of the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile, this medium-range surface-to-air missile can reach 50+km target and mach 4+ with semi-active radar homing of missile guidance system (photo : US Navy)
The Royal Thai Navys two Naresuan-class (Type 25T) frigates are to receive RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) air defence missiles as part of a mid-life refit programme starting in 2012.

HTMS Naresuan 421, is a modified version of the Chinese-made Type 053 frigate built by Zhonghua shipyard and comissioned in 1995, the frigates has 120.5 m length and 2,980 tonnes full load (photo : worldwarships)

Raytheon has been selected to provide the medium-range semi-active radar-guided missiles for the Chinese-built frigates, a company executive told Janes at the US Navy Leagues Sea-Air-Space 2011 exhibition on 12 April.

(Jane's)