Mexican Navy takes delivery of Raytheon-built RAM launcher

The Mexican Government has received a Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launcher as part of its long-range off-shore patrol vessel (Patrulla Oceánica de Largo Alcance or POLA) programme.

This marks the first-ever delivery of a RAM product to a Latin American nation.

Built by Raytheon, the RAM Block II lightweight, quick reaction missile features a larger rocket motor, advanced control section and an improved radio frequency (RF) receiver that can detect the quietest of threat emitters.

The latest Block II variant of the supersonic, guided missile weapon system will be used by the Mexican Navy to counter anti-ship missiles and safeguard its fleet patrol frigates.

Raytheon Air and Missile Defense Systems vice-president Mitch Stevison said: “RAM Block II protects ships against a long list of constantly evolving threats.

“With RAM protecting its frigate, Mexico not only enhances its maritime posture, but they also expand their naval support of national security and defence of critical sea lanes.”

The RAM is a modern and advanced ship self-defence weapon system which helps defend navy vessels of all sizes.

The Raytheon missile is currently deployed on more than 165 vessels, ranging from 500t fast attack craft to 95,000t aircraft carriers.

Block II version of the weapon is two and a half times more manoeuvrable, with one and a half times the effective intercept range.

Its passive RF and infrared guidance design require no additional direction upon launch, helping provide a high-firepower capability for engaging multiple threats simultaneously.