RAMSYS press release
COMMIT jointly procures a total of 7 + 2 Rolling Airframe Missile Launching Systems (RAM GMLS) for the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian Navy. The Netherlands and Belgium join Germany, Greece and Turkey as European users nations of this highly efficient and agile ship self-defense system.
In 2024, RAM was able to prove its capabilities impressively under combat circumstances in the Red Sea keeping ship and crew safe. Meanwhile, the 3rd generation of the weapon system and the 6th generation of missiles are in use. The continuous further development of the weapon system is the cornerstone for the exceptional capability and the outstanding hit probability.
Background information:
RAMSYS develops, produces, and markets the RAM Guided Missile Weapon System for ship self-defense in close collaboration with its parent companies, Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland, and in partnership with Raytheon in the United States. In addition to our transatlantic partners Germany and the USA, the naval forces of Egypt, Greece, Japan, Qatar, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, and Belgium rely on the exceptional capabilities of the RAM weapon system. The new RAM Block 2B guided missile can be launched from the existing launching systems.
Under the workshare agreement within the transatlantic RAM program, the German industry is responsible for the production of high-quality components within the RAM program. With regards to the missiles Diehl Defence is manufacturing the infrared search head, the guidance unit, and the launch canister, as well as integrating the front section. MBDA Deutschland’s responsibilities include manufacturing the radar search head, control unit, and warhead, as well as integrating the German RAM Block 2B LFK. With regards to the launching system, Diehl Defence builds the Guide Assembly as well as various other metal components. MBDA’s part is the production of the Servo Control Unit as well as highly sophisticated electronic components and the final build-up, integration, and testing before delivery to all RAMSYS customers.
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Naval News comments
The Future Surface Combatant is a project of the Royal Netherlands Navy and Belgian Navy to replace the ageing Multipurpose- or M-frigates (Karel Doorman-class). The future frigates will be replacing HNLMS Van Amstel and HNLMS Van Speijk in the Dutch Navy and Leopold I and the Louise-Marie in the Belgian Navy. The Dutch government announced in September 2024 it would order two additional ASW frigates.
The main task of ASW frigates is remote detection and engagement of submarines. This is done, among other things, with the ship’s own NH90 helicopter. Both the frigate and the helicopter can launch an Mk54 torpedo, which will be available in a few years, to neutralize the submarine. The ASW frigates will be a challenge for the submarines to detect and defend against torpedo attacks. They are set to be fitted with a dedicated ASW USV.
M-Frigate Replacement Specifications
- Displacement: Approx. 6.000 tonnes
- Length: 146 meters
- Speed: +30
- Complement: 120
