ST Engineering iDirect’s European Manufacturing Competence Center in Erpe Mere, Belgium, has been selected by Raytheon, an RTX business, to support the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile ESSM Block II programme.
The announcement confirms the Belgian site as a European manufacturing partner within one of NATO’s longest standing cooperative defence initiatives. Operational since 1968, the ESSM programme is described as the longest running cooperative smart defence initiative in NATO’s history and remains central to allied naval air defence capability.
Raytheon selected the Erpe Mere facility on the basis of its experience in managing high complexity, high mix production for the defence sector. The site holds AS EN 9100 certification for Aviation, Space and Defence, with manufacturing processes aligned to mission critical quality requirements.
Shared Vision
“At Raytheon, innovation is intrinsic to what we do, and we found a partner in ST Engineering iDirect’s European Manufacturing Competence Center that operates from a shared strategic vision,” said Misty Holmes, Vice President of Shipboard Missiles at Raytheon. “Together, we will pair cutting-edge technology with state-of-the-art manufacturing to deliver unmatched capability to U.S., NATO and allied navies around the world.”
Tom Hamelinckx, Plant Director at ST Engineering iDirect, said the selection reflected the facility’s standing in high reliability electronics manufacturing.
“Being selected to support the ESSM® Block II program is a testament to the Manufacturing Competence Center’s dedication to excellence and innovation and underscores its reputation as a premier European facility for high-reliability electronics manufacturing,” he said. “This collaboration highlights the strategic importance of Belgian manufacturing capabilities and reinforces our commitment to delivering high-reliability solutions that meet the stringent demands of the defense industry.”
Increased Participation
The decision was also welcomed by Belgian government representatives. “During our visit to the Raytheon facilities in Tucson last October, we emphasized the importance of increasing Belgian participation in the ESSM® Block II program. We are very pleased to see RTX translating that dialogue into concrete deliverables so quickly. Companies such as ST Engineering iDirect clearly demonstrate the potential and added value of Belgium’s defence industry to large international programs such as Sea Sparrow,” said Theo Francken, Belgian Minister of Defence.
The Manufacturing Competence Center has been recognised four times as a Factory of the Future. The facility integrates advanced testing capabilities, end to end traceability systems and supply chain management protocols designed to meet the precision and reliability requirements of defence contracting.
The collaboration further strengthens the role of Belgian industry within NATO supply chains and underlines the continued industrial dimension of the ESSM Block II programme.
