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.’