US and Japan order more RAM services
RAM missile fired from USS Bataan. (Photo: US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Petty Officer Caleb Strong)
Raytheon Missiles and Defense is providing FY2021 design agent and engineering support services for the Mk31 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), under a new $54.53 million contract modification from Naval Sea Systems Command.
The USN accounts for 71% of purchases in the modification, with FMS customer Japan taking the remainder.
Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by July 2022.
The Mk31 RAM is a joint development and production programme between the US and Germany, conducted under various MoUs.
Services under the latest contract are required to ‘maintain current weapon system capability as well as resolve issues through design, systems, software maintenance, reliability, maintainability, quality assurance and logistics engineering services’, the DoD noted on 31 August.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
-
Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market
Diminishing submarine competitions worldwide are leaving fewer acquisition opportunities, pushing contractors toward alternatives.
-
Future frigate programme highlights broader RNZN replacement challenge
New Zealand’s evaluation of the Mogami and Arrowhead 140 frigate designs reflects a wider push for alliance interoperability, and points to a larger recapitalisation of the Royal New Zealand Navy fleet beyond the current programme.
-
Industry agreements point to growing interest in Danish hybrid fleet concept
Babcock’s new Danish industry agreements have reignited debate over whether Copenhagen is edging towards a hybrid fleet blending crewed frigates with autonomous systems.