The US Navy has contracted RAM-System GmbH – the German industry partner for the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) ship self-defense weapon system–to develop a Common Electronic Support Measurement System for integration into RAM launcher hardware.
Awarded by Naval Sea Systems Command, the €16.2 million firm-fixed-price delivery order obligates German cooperative funds for work extending through to December 2027. RAM-System GmbH–a joint venture of Diehl Defense and MBDA Deutschland – partners Raytheon Missile Systems in the development, production, system improvements and logistic support of the RAM Guided Missile Weapon System.
RAM features a dual-mode passive radio frequency/infrared seeker missile to provide a quick reaction self-defense capability against anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), low flying air threats, and surface targets. The latest Block 2B variant introduces an upgraded infrared seeker and a Missile-to-Missile Link (MML) to provide improved defense against highly maneuverable ASCM threats and complex raid attacks.
Integrating the Common Electronic Support Measurement System, together with the exploitation of the RAM Block 2B MML as an uplink/downlink, is intended to improve RAM Block 2B mid-course guidance and kill assessment by providing an increased probability of missile intercept, and therefore reducing overall missile expenditure. The engineering change – to be integrated into both the MK 49 RAM launcher and the MK 15 SeaRAM launcher – will implement a missile launcher transmitter and receiver which will interface with the ship combat system and communicate with the RAM missile while in flight. – R. Scott
