German Navy Procures RAM Block 2
RAM-System GmbH (RAMSYS) was awarded a procurement contract for 445 state-of-the-art RAM Block 2 guided ship self-defence missiles for the German Navy.
The new missiles will be delivered to the German Navy between 2016 and 2019 and replace older RAM Block 0 missiles, which will reach their end of lifetime after more than 20 years.
The new RAM Block 2 missile incorporates an evolved radar frequency receiver and a considerably higher manoeuvrability than the previous generations of RAM missiles. This enables the missile to detect and reliably counter manoeuvring hypersonic anti-ship missiles of the latest generation as well as upcoming low-signature threats.
The extraordinary performance of the new RAM Block 2 missile was demonstrated most impressively in several test firings during the development phase and recently in the successful defence against a simulated attack on the US Navy’s Self Defense Test Ship in March 2013.
The RAM weapon system for ship self-defence is developed, produced and marketed by RAM-System GmbH in close cooperation with its parent companies Diehl BGT Defence and MBDA Deutschland together with the US partner Raytheon Missile Systems. Apart from the transatlantic cooperation partners Germany and the United States of America, the navies of Egypt, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates rely on the outstanding capabilities of the RAM missile system. The new RAM Block 2 guided missile can be fired from all deployed RAM launching systems.
The procurement contract for the 445 RAM Block 2 missiles for the German Navy is an essential element within a multinational production scenario. Diehl BGT Defence produces the infrared seeker head, guidance section and the launch canister and is responsible for the integration of the front section. MBDA Deutschland produces the evolved radar frequency receiver, control section and warhead and performs the final assembly of the RAM Block 2 missiles.
