RTX-owned Raytheon has secured a $74 million U.S. Navy contract for the production and upgrade of Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Guided Missile Launching Systems—marking the largest order for the system in more than two decades.
The contract covers an unspecified number of launchers, system refurbishments, essential hardware for upgrades, and spare components, all aimed at enhancing naval defense against anti-ship missiles.
Manufacturing will be carried out mainly in Louisville, Kentucky, with final delivery expected by 2028. The RAM system employs a 10-kg blast fragmentation warhead, flies at supersonic speeds, and utilizes passive radio frequency and infrared seekers for high-precision, autonomous targeting over distances of up to 9 kilometers.
Widely used across the U.S. Navy fleet, the RAM is fitted to Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, San Antonio-class transports, and littoral combat ships.
Earlier this year, Raytheon delivered the 250th MK49 RAM Launcher, slated for integration on the future USS Pittsburgh. The RAM program is a longstanding U.S.-German collaboration, set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.
