SeaRAM in new demonstration
The US Navy has conducted a live-fire exercise during which Raytheon’ SeaRAM anti-ship missile defence system used a Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2 to intercept an incoming target, the company announced on 11 January.
During the exercise, which was conducted at China Lake in California, the SeaRAM system detected, tracked and engaged an inbound threat, and fired a RAM Block 2, which intercepted the target successfully. For the test, SeaRAM was configured with a nearby Phalanx Close-In Weapon System similar to the way the two systems would be deployed together on navy destroyers.
RAM Block 2 adds an evolved radio frequency receiver, improved kinematics, and an enhanced control system. It reached initial operating capability in May 2015.
Rick Nelson, vice president, Raytheon’s Naval and Area Mission Defense product line, said: ‘SeaRAM continues to demonstrate how vital a weapon it is for defending navies against anti-ship missiles. Raytheon’s close-in defence systems can provide warfighters with a capability found nowhere else, and help the navy extend its reach with a layered defence that can counter various threats.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.
-
RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV
RTX told Shephard that the Hadalus UUV has been procured by the US Marine Corps and the Office of Naval Research for operational experimentation as the company prepares additional demonstrations with the US Navy, NATO and AUKUS partners.
-
Europe’s naval contractors benefit from growing refit and upgrade demand
Rheinmetall’s order to modernise the German Navy frigate Bayern points to a wider European shift towards extending warship service life as new-build programmes face delay.
-
The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement
The UK will spend an estimated US$3.89 billion over the next decade in joint naval programmes, a lot of which will be in cooperation with Norway.