The US Navy has awarded a $74m contract to Raytheon, a business unit of RTX, to produce Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) guided missile launching systems (GMLS).
Under the contract, Raytheon’s responsibilities include delivering new launchers and refurbishing existing ones.
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The company will also supply hardware for system enhancements and provide various spare parts.
Raytheon Naval Power president Barbara Borgonovi said: “This contract marks the largest single order of US RAM launchers in over two decades and will ensure our naval assets remain well-protected against anti-ship threats.
“Our continued investment in modernising production capacity enables us to meet the growing global demand for the world’s most modern short range ship self-defence weapon system.”
The RAM programme is a collaborative effort between the US and Germany, with Raytheon as the primary contractor addressing the US Navy’s needs.
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By GlobalDataThe system, comprising both launcher and missiles, is operational on over 165 vessels across 11 nations, from patrol boats to aircraft carriers.
It is also being fitted onto several new classes of US Navy ships, such as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers.
The RAM system is a supersonic, lightweight defensive weapon engineered for rapid response and autonomous operation, capable of neutralising anti-ship missiles.
According to Raytheon, the system requires no further guidance upon launch. It uses passive radio frequency and infrared guidance to simultaneously engage multiple threats.
The missile undergoes continuous enhancements to maintain its effectiveness against the advancing threats posed by anti-ship missiles, helicopters, aircraft, and surface vessels, said the company.
Most of the work outlined in this contract will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, with an anticipated completion by 2028.
In May 2025, Raytheon, in collaboration with its German industrial partner RAM-Systems, completed the delivery of the 250th RAM MK49 GMLS.
This 250th RAM MK49 GMLS system is planned for installation on the USS Pittsburgh, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport ship currently under construction for the US Navy.
