NATO’s NSPO Plans Next-Generation “NSV” Missile to Replace ESSM Block 2

A group of twelve nations under the NATO SeaSparrow Project Office (NSPO) has revealed plans to develop a next-generation surface-to-air missile to replace the widely used RIM-162 ESSM Block 2. The project, called the Next Significant Variant (NSV), is intended to ensure NATO navies remain capable of defending against both current and emerging aerial threats.

Modern Naval Defense Requirements

The U.S. Office of Naval Research has published an industry notice confirming that a special Industry Day meeting will be held in October 2025 in Washington, DC, where requirements for the missile will be discussed with defense contractors. The NSV is expected to counter drones, cruise missiles, supersonic and hypersonic weapons, and complex multi-axis attacks, reflecting the rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Design Features & Interoperability

• The missile will retain the 245 mm (10-inch) diameter of the ESSM, ensuring compatibility with existing Mk 41 vertical launch system quad-packs and Mk 29 launchers.

• It will incorporate digital engineering and model-based systems design, allowing faster and more collaborative development across NATO partners.

• The design is also expected to integrate open-architecture systems, enabling smoother upgrades and interoperability with allied navies.

Consortium & Legacy

The NSPO includes 12 member nations: the United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and Australia (a partner nation despite not being in NATO).
The consortium has been active since 1968, when it began developing the original RIM-7 Sea Sparrow. Over time, this evolved into the ESSM Block 1 and Block 2, which are currently deployed on dozens of NATO warships.

Why a Successor Now?

The ESSM Block 2 introduced key upgrades like an active radar seeker, improved guidance, and mid-course update capability without relying on ship radar illuminators. However, emerging threats—such as swarm drones, hypersonic weapons, and advanced electronic warfare—require an even more capable successor.
The NSV is envisioned as a missile that not only extends NATO’s defensive reach but also adapts to next-decade threat environments through faster processing, improved agility, and network-centric warfare integration.

Next Steps

1. Industry Day (October 14, 2025): Morning session will provide a classified requirements briefing, while the afternoon session will focus on acquisition strategy and development pathways.

2. Pre-Event Deadline (October 7, 2025): Companies must register their interest and hold SECRET-level clearance in one of the participating countries.

3. Future Development: Following the event, the consortium is expected to release a Request for Proposals (RFP), leading to technology demonstrations and eventual prototyping.

Strategic Importance

The NSV program underscores NATO’s determination to future-proof naval air defense. By maintaining compatibility with existing launch systems while introducing advanced seeker technology, open-architecture integration, and digital design methods, the new missile will ensure NATO navies remain prepared for decades of evolving maritime threats.