The US Navy has announced a substantial $19.3-million contract modification to Raytheon aimed at enhancing the design and engineering support for the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) program. This missile serves as a crucial ship self-defense weapon for the US and allied navies. The contract will extend through March 2028 and includes contributions from several allied nations, including Japan, Qatar, South Korea, and Canada under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) framework.
The financial resources for this endeavor are sourced from a combination of fiscal 2025 and 2026 budgets allocated for the Navy and FMS. Work related to this contract will take place primarily in Tucson, Arizona.
The RAM is known for its lightweight, fire-and-forget capabilities. It is specifically designed to protect naval vessels from a variety of threats, including anti-ship cruise missiles and aircraft. The missile employs advanced technology, utilizing a combination of passive radio frequency and infrared guidance systems in its Block 2 configuration, which facilitates rapid response without the need for external illumination.
The versatility of the RAM system allows it to be deployed on a diverse range of naval platforms, from amphibious assault ships to destroyers. It is typically launched using either the MK49 Guided Missile Launching System or the SeaRAM close-in weapon system.
In recent years, Raytheon and the US Navy have made significant investments to bolster RAM production and upgrade capabilities. Notably, in July 2025, Raytheon clinched a contract valued at approximately $74 million—marking the largest single order for RAM launching systems in over two decades. This contract encompasses not only the production of new launchers and refurbishment of existing systems but also the supply of upgrade hardware for the US fleet.
The growth of the RAM inventory has also made notable strides, exemplified by the US Navy’s acceptance of its 250th MK49 RAM Guided-Missile Launching System in May 2025. This system is set to be integrated aboard various vessels, including the USS Pittsburgh.
Additionally, international interest in the Rolling Airframe Missile remains robust. In a move reflecting the continued global demand for RAM, the US State Department approved a possible sale to Japan for up to 212 RIM-116 Block 2B Rolling Airframe Missiles, along with associated support equipment, with an estimated value of around $360 million. This development underscores the program’s significance not only in the US Navy’s operational capabilities but also in enhancing maritime security partnerships globally.
