Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX, has been awarded a $74 million contract to supply the U.S. Navy with Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Guided Missile Launching Systems—the largest order of its kind in over 20 years.
The agreement includes the production of new launchers, refurbishment of existing units, hardware support for system upgrades, and the supply of spare parts. The effort is aimed at boosting the Navy’s ability to counter anti-ship threats and enhance fleet survivability.
Work will primarily take place in Louisville, Kentucky, with project completion expected by 2028. The RAM system features a 10-kilogram (22-pound) blast fragmentation warhead, travels at supersonic speeds, and uses passive RF and infrared guidance for accurate, stealthy engagements over a range of 9 kilometers (5.6 miles).
This fire-and-forget system is currently deployed on various U.S. Navy vessels, including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, San Antonio-class amphibious ships, and littoral combat ships.
In May, Raytheon celebrated the delivery of the 250th RAM MK49 Launcher, which will be installed aboard the future USS Pittsburgh. The RAM program, a collaborative effort between the U.S. and Germany, is approaching its 50th anniversary in 2026.
