NATO Sea Sparrow Missile

Also known as

Seasparrow Missile (RIM-7)
RIM-7 Sea Sparrow
RIM-7 SeaSparrow Missile
NSSM
NSSMS
Sea Sparrow Missile

The NATO Sea Sparrow Missile is a U.S.-origin radar-guided ship self-defense missile based on the AIM-7 Sparrow, fielded aboard CVN, LHA, and LHD ships through the MK 57 NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System and MK 29 launchers.

NATO Sea Sparrow Missile, Ship self-defense missile, Munitions

Image source: 150309-N-YK910-088

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Raytheon Missile SystemsGeneral Dynamics
Type: Ship self-defense missile
Service note: 1970s-present
Designer: Sperry / U.S. Navy
Designed: Early 1970s
Unit cost: $165,400

SAM air defense naval guided missile

Specifications

Guidance: Semi-active homing via radar uplinks
Length: 12 feet (3.64 meters)
Diameter: 8 inches (20.3 cm)
Weight: About 500 pounds (225 kg)
Warhead: 90-pound annular blast-fragmentation warhead
Launchers: MK 57 NSSMS, MK 29 GMLS, MK 48 GMVLS
Speed: Classified
Range: Classified

Launch Platforms

Bundeswehr lists the Brandenburg class's Mk41 VLS as able to fire NSSM and ESSM.

Launcher

Launcher type

Launch evidence

Brandenburg class / F123 frigate, Anti-submarine frigate class, Naval Systems

Brandenburg class / F123 frigate

Anti-submarine frigate

Bundeswehr lists the Brandenburg class's Mk41 VLS as able to fire NSSM and ESSM.

Sources: Fregatten der Brandenburg-Klasse

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: U.S. Navy service from 1976.
Used by: United States Navy

Media

NATO Sea Sparrow Missile Images

NATO Sea Sparrow Missile, Ship self-defense missile, Munitions - view 1 — Source: 180425-N-EN275-0123

NATO Sea Sparrow Missile, Ship self-defense missile, Munitions - view 2 — Source: USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) Sea Sparrow missile launch

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Sources

Seasparrow Missile (RIM-7)Publisher: United States Navy | Note: Supports the missile's background, contractor, guidance, launcher compatibility, service, unit cost, and general specifications. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 150309-N-YK910-088Publisher: Navy.mil | Note: Supports the image provenance for a RIM-7 NATO Sea Sparrow Missile launched from USS Essex. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 180425-N-EN275-0123Publisher: Navy.mil | Note: Supports the image provenance for a RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile being loaded into the NATO Sea Sparrow Surface Missile System. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) Sea Sparrow missile launchPublisher: Navy.mil | Note: Supports the image provenance for a NATO Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile launch from USS Bonhomme Richard. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Fregatten der Brandenburg-KlassePublisher: Bundeswehr | Note: Supports the Brandenburg class's Mk41 VLS fit for NSSM and ESSM. | Accessed: 2026-06-27