Raytheon has secured a $19.3 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy to continue design authority and engineering services for the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) program, a cornerstone of naval point-defense for U.S. and partner navies.
The modification supports work through March 2028 and incorporates funding from Japan, Qatar, South Korea, and Canada under the foreign military sales framework. Financial backing is drawn from U.S. Navy fiscal years 2025 and 2026 budgets, as well as FMS resources, with primary work locations in Tucson, Arizona.
The RAM system is a compact, fire-and-forget surface-to-air missile optimized for defending ships against anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and other close-in threats. The Block 2 variant integrates passive radio-frequency and infrared guidance, enabling rapid response engagements without reliance on external illumination or targeting systems.
RAM is fielded on numerous vessel types, ranging from amphibious assault ships to destroyers, via the MK49 Guided Missile Launching System or the SeaRAM configuration.
Recent years have seen continued investment in the program’s production capacity and capability enhancements. In July 2025, Raytheon was awarded approximately $74 million—the largest launcher-related contract in over two decades—to produce new RAM launchers, refurbish in-service systems, and provide upgrade hardware for the U.S. Navy.
The program also reached a key milestone in May 2025 with the delivery of the Navy’s 250th MK49 RAM launcher, set for installation aboard platforms such as USS Pittsburgh. International interest remains strong, highlighted by U.S. State Department approval in 2024 for a potential $360 million sale to Japan covering up to 212 RIM-116 Block 2B missiles and related equipment.
