Country: United States Of America
Missile Type: Anti-ship Air To Air Missile
Service Type: Yes
Washington DC (Washington Insider Magazine) — RIM-7 Sea Sparrow is a U.S. ship-borne short-range missile. It is an anti-aircraft and anti-missile weapon system that has been in service for decades. The missile has gone through several upgrades and has gained the reputation of one of the best missiles. It is primarily intended for defense against anti-ship missiles.
The missile system was developed in the early 1960s. AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missile is a lightweight “point-defense” weapon that can be easily retrofitted to existing ships. It can be attached to any device quickly. The missile can be connected with the existing gun-based anti-aircraft weapons and can target the victim within a short distance. In this incarnation, it was a very simple system that is guided by the manually aimed radar illuminator.
Specifications
- Mass-510 lb (230 kg)
- Length-12 ft (3.7 m)
- Diameter-8 in (20 cm)
- Warhead-Annular blast fragmentation warhead, 90 lb (41 kg)
- Detonation Mechanism-Proximity fuzed, expanding rod, with a 27 ft (8.2 m) kill radius
- Engine Hercules MK-58-solid-propellant rocket motor
- Wingspan-3 ft 4 in (1.02 m)
- Operational Range-10 mi (19 km)
- Maximum speed-4,256 km/h (2,645 mph)
- Guidance System-Semi-active radar homing
- Launch Platform-Ship
Recent Use In Battlefield
Ukraine is one of the recent countries that has used radar-guided RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles. It was integrated into the Ukrainian Armed Forces and was used along with the existing Soviet-era Buk air defense systems. The missiles were a part of the latest U.S. aid package that was sent to Kyiv. The missile significantly also includes M2 Bradley infantry and other fighting vehicles for Ukraine.
The RIM-7 has been used in ground-based applications. Taiwan, Egypt, and Greece are some of the countries that have used the Sea Sparrow missile loaded in box launchers. The missile can accommodate various missiles and guns and can protect high-value assets.
Taiwan operated the ground-based Sea Sparrows as part of the Skyguard SHORAD system. There were about Five hundred missiles that entered the country in 1991. The missile was deployed on trailers with four box launchers. In 2012 it was used on a battlefield in Taiwan and was temporarily withdrawn from service after a pair of missile failures during testing happened.
In January 2023, the United States announced that they will transfer Sea Sparrow missiles to Ukraine. The most recent use of this missile was a part of a military aid package during the Ukraine-Russia war. In 2022 during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Sea Sparrows were used. It was fired from a modified Soviet-era 9K37 Buk missile and was used for counterattacks from cruise missiles and drones
Buyers
- Belgium-Belgian Navy
- Bulgaria-Bulgarian Navy
- Chile-Chilean Navy
- Denmark-Royal Danish Navy
- Germany-German Navy
- Greece-Hellenic Navy
- Italy-Italian Navy
- Japan-Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
- South Korea-Republic of Korea Navy
- Mexico-Mexican Navy
- Netherlands
FAQS
1. How Does The RIM-7 Sea Sparrow Work?
RIM-7 Sea Sparrow works as a short-range missile. It is a semi-active homing missile that will make flight corrections using the radar uplinks. The missile offers a reliable ship’s self-defense capability and works against a variety of air and surface threats. It is a high-speed, low-altitude anti-ship cruise missile that works efficiently when combined with some other missile systems.
2. What Is RIM-7 Sea Sparrow Missile?
The RIM-7 Sea sparrow is short to medium-range missile. It is a radar-guided, surface-to-air missile that was developed as a joint project. This missile was made with the assistance of Raytheon and General Dynamics. It was designed as an air-to-air missile by Sperry and the U.S. Navy but was later modified. It now serves as an air defense system for the U.S. Navy.
3. Is There Any Upgrade Of the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow?
The RIM-7 has been modified and has seen multiple upgrades. The recent version of the missile is RIM-7P. It is an upgrade of the original RIM-7M and offers a better capability in engaging low-flying aircraft. It is one of the best “sea-skimming missiles and was largely the predecessor of the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile. It has been used by NATO allies and other U.S. allies around the world.
Read More: AGM-86 ALCM: Specifications, Buyers & Recent Use In Battlefield
4. What Are The Strategic Implications Of RIM-7 Sea Sparrow?
The RIM-7 has defended the U.S. naval ships from enemy aircraft. It is a high-speed low altitude cruise missile that is way better than the standard missiles. The RIM-7 has allowed the U.S. naval forces to enter the contested area and they have gained a lot of confidence to defend their vessel.
