All German Navy surface combatants are fitted with the RAM guided missile weapon system: K130 corvettes (Batch 1 and Batch 2), F123, F124, F125 frigates as well as the future F126 vessels displacing 10,400 tonnes.
Developed jointly by Germany and the United States with Raytheon and Diehl Defence as main contractors, the missile is used for defense against incoming missiles, aircraft or helicopters. The contract will go through German company RAM Sys (RAM-System GmbH). It is a joint venture in charge of program management and marketing of the RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) naval self-defence missile system in Europe.
The 600 RAM missiles are set to be delivered between 2024 and 2029.
RAM Block 2 missile
According to Raytheon, the Block 2 variant, the latest evolution in the development of the RAM missile, has a larger rocket motor, advanced control section and an enhanced RF receiver capable of detecting the quietest of threat emitters. The improvements make the missile two and a half times more maneuverable, with one and a half times the effective intercept range. This provides the Block 2 variant with the capability to defeat highly stressing threats, increasing the survivability of the defended ship.
