Raytheon wins $74m US Navy contract for RAM missile launchers

American defence supplier Raytheon, a division of RTX, has been awarded a $74 million contract to produce rolling airframe missile (RAM) guided missile launching systems for the United States Navy.

Under the contract, Raytheon will provide several new launcher systems, refurbish current systems, and supply hardware and spares for upgrades. Barbara Borgonovi, President of Naval Power at Raytheon described the award as, "the largest single order of US RAM launchers in over two decades."

The RAM weapon system, consisting of a launcher and missiles, is a short-range ship self-defence weapon developed as a bilateral partnership between the US and Germany. According to the company, the system is currently deployed on more than 165 ships in 11 countries and is being installed on several new US Navy ship classes, including the Arleigh Burke-class of guided missile destroyers.

Raytheon said the majority of the work under this contract will be performed in Louisville, Kentucky, and is expected to be completed by 2028.