German Navy will begin receiving Surface to Air RAM Block 2B missiles from 2024

The German Navy awarded a contract to RAM-System GmbH (RAMSYS) on October 27, 2022, to purchase 600 RAM Block 2B guided ship self-defence missiles. The German Navy will begin receiving the new RAM missiles in 2024. The RAM missile's Block 1 (RIM-116B) update includes an all-infrared guidance system, enabling it to intercept missiles that don't generate radar signals.

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Joseph P Chacko
Joseph P Chacko
Joseph P. Chacko is the publisher of Frontier India. He holds an M.B.A in International Business. Books: Author: Foxtrot to Arihant: The Story of Indian Navy's Submarine Arm; Co Author : Warring Navies - India and Pakistan. *views are Personal

The German Navy awarded a contract to RAM-System GmbH (RAMSYS) on October 27, 2022, to purchase 600 cutting-edge Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Block 2B guided ship self-defence missiles.

A redesigned infrared seeker head and missile-to-missile communication between RAM Block 2B salvo firings are features of the recently produced RAM Block 2B missile. The missile can effectively oppose complex raid scenarios of approaching anti-ship missiles and new targets of the most recent generation thanks to this and its improved radar frequency receiver software.

The contract for the acquisition of RAM Block 2B missiles for the German Navy is a crucial component of a global production scenario. Diehl Defence is responsible for the production of the infrared seeker head, the guidance section, and the launch canister, as well as the integration of the front part. MBDA Deutschland manufactures the advanced radar frequency receiver, control section, and warhead for the RAM Block 2B missiles, as well as performing their final assembly.

For more than 40 years, RAM has been a bilateral US-German government programme. The industrial partners Raytheon Missile & Defense and RAMSYS worked closely with their parent companies, Diehl Defence and MBDA Germany, to create the 6th generation RAM Block 2B missile.

The German Navy will begin receiving the new missiles in 2024.

RIM-116 Moving Body Missile(RAM)

The RIM-116 Moving Body Missile ( RAM ) is a small, lightweight, infrared-homing surface-to-air missile used by the navies of Germany, Japan, Greece, Turkey, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Mexico and the USA. It was initially intended and used primarily as a point defence against anti-ship cruise missiles. The rocket is so named because it rotates around its longitudinal axis to stabilize its flight path, like a bullet fired from a rifled bullet stem. As of 2005, it is the only US Navy missile to operate in this manner.

The moving body missiles and the Mk 49 Guided Missile Launch System (GMLS) and support apparatus constitute the RAM Mk 31 Guided Missile Weapon System (GMWS). The Mk-144 guided missile launcher (GML) mount weighs 5,777 kg (12,736 lb) and contains 21 missiles. The source weapon cannot use its sensors before firing, so it must be integrated with the ship’s combat system, which guides the launcher to targets. On US ships, it is integrated with the Shipborne Anti-Missile Defense System (SDSMS) and the Shipborne Self-Defense System (SSDS) based on the Mk 1 or Mk 2 AN/SWY-2 combat systems. SeaRAM, a launcher variant with independent sensors based on the Vulcan Phalanx CIWS, is installed on Littoral Combat Ships and some Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

RIM-116 Missile was developed following a contract signed in July 1976 with Denmark and West Germany, General Dynamics’ Pomona and Valley Systems divisions. (General Dynamics’ missile business was eventually acquired by Hughes Aircraft and is now a part of Raytheon.) The US Navy became the program’s primary partner after Denmark withdrew from it. Onboard the warship USS David R. Ray, the Mk 49 launcher underwent testing in the late 1980s. The first 30 missiles were constructed in FY 85 and put into service on the USS Peleliu on November 14, 1992.

The AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile, which had a rocket motor, fuze, and warhead, served as the basis for the missile’s first design, Block 0. Block 0 missiles were created using an infrared seeker adapted from the FIM-92 Stinger missile to aim at the intended target after initially orienting themselves to radiation originating from a target (like the active radar of an oncoming anti-ship missile). Block 0 missiles attained a kill rate of more than 95% during a test fire.

The RAM missile’s Block 1 (RIM-116B) update includes an all-infrared guidance system, enabling it to intercept missiles that don’t generate radar signals. Radar homing capabilities of Block 0 are maintained.

The RAM Block 2 is an improved version that features a 4-axis independent actuator system, increased rocket motor capabilities, an improved passive RF seeker, upgraded infrared homing components, and advanced kinematics to counter more effectively manoeuvrable anti-ship missiles. The US Navy awarded Raytheon a $105 million development contract on May 8, 2007. LRIP first began in 2012. Fifty-one missiles were initially requested. On October 22, 2012, RAM Block 2 successfully finished its third guided test vehicle flight, firing a salvo of two missiles that struck the target to test the guidance system’s capabilities, kinematic performance, command and control system, and airframe. During the program’s extensive testing phase, 25 Block 2 missiles were to be delivered by Raytheon. In August 2014, Block 2 RAM was delivered to the US Navy, and 502 missiles will be purchased between 2015 and 2019. [10] Block 2 RAM’s Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was attained on May 15, 2015. 

The sale of the RIM-116 Block II to the Mexican Navy for their next Sigma-class design frigates received approval from the US State Department in early 2018. The first of these ships was jointly constructed by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding and launched in November 2018.

HAVE mode

In 1998, Germany and the US military departments signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the system so that it could also engage so-called “HAS” targets, H helicopters, aircraft, and surface targets. The HAS upgrade required only software modifications applicable to all Block 1 RAM rockets.

SeaRAM weapon system

SeaRAM combines the radar and electro-optical components of the Phalanx CIWS Mk-15 Block 1B (CRDC) with an 11-cell RAM launcher to create a self-contained system that does not require external intelligence to detect threats. SeaRAM, like Phalanx, can be placed on any ship class. In 2008, the USS Independence received the first SeaRAM system for installation. As of December 2013, each ship of the Independence class is equipped with a SeaRAM. In 2014, the Navy announced its decision to install SeaRAM on its upcoming Small Surface Combatant LCS vessels. The Navy will complete the installation of SeaRAM on the first of 4 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers patrolling with the US 6th Fleet beginning in November 2015. SeaRAM will equip multipurpose surface ships based on the Freedom-class littoral combat ships for the Royal Saudi Navy (MMSC).

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