Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has awarded Raytheon a contract to supply SeaRAM ship self-defense systems for Australia’s future upgraded Mogami-class frigates under the Sea3000 General Purpose Frigate program.
As part of the agreement, Raytheon will deliver SeaRAM launchers, blast test vehicles, and technical support for the installation and testing process on the first three vessels. Deliveries are expected to commence in late 2028.
The Sea3000 initiative is intended to replace Australia’s aging Anzac-class frigate fleet, which first entered operational service in 1996.
SeaRAM systems are already deployed aboard Japan’s 12 active Mogami-class frigates and are also being integrated into the country’s 06FFM-class frigates currently under construction, which serve as the foundation for Australia’s future warship design.
SeaRAM Capability
SeaRAM combines the Phalanx close-in weapon system with the Rolling Airframe Missile to provide autonomous terminal defense against both supersonic and subsonic threats, including cruise missiles, drones, and helicopters.
The system replaces the Phalanx 20mm Gatling gun with an 11-cell missile launcher capable of firing RAM interceptors while leveraging the Phalanx Block 1B’s advanced tracking sensors and rapid-response engagement capability.
Designed as an above-deck plug-in upgrade, SeaRAM maintains the same footprint and power requirements as the original Phalanx system, allowing integration with minimal ship modification while significantly improving close-range defensive performance.
