Raytheon, in partnership with Germany’s RAM-System GmbH, has delivered the 250th RAM MK49 Guided-Missile Launching System (GMLS) to the U.S. Navy, marking a significant milestone in one of the world’s most enduring naval defense programs. The launcher is scheduled for deployment aboard the USS Pittsburgh, a newly constructed San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock.
The Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) program, a landmark U.S.-German bilateral defense partnership, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. Raytheon serves as the prime contractor for the program, which now supports the naval defense needs of multiple allied nations, including Egypt, Greece, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.
“The RAM missile system has been a cornerstone of naval defense capabilities for decades, and this 250th GMLS delivery is a testament to the important role it plays in defending U.S. and allied forces,” said Barbara Borgonovi, President of Naval Power at Raytheon. “As we continue to modernize and expand the deployment of RAM, it remains a critical asset in protecting our sailors and ships from evolving threats.”
Renowned as the world’s premier ship self-defense effector, RAM provides close-in protection against a spectrum of threats, including anti-ship cruise missiles, aircraft, unmanned systems, and other high-speed threats. It is deployed on platforms ranging from 220-foot corvettes to 1,100-foot nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, demonstrating its unmatched versatility and effectiveness.
Raytheon and its German partners continue to invest in the modernization and expansion of the RAM system. This includes recent enhancements to Raytheon’s GMLS production facilities—doubling output capacity—as well as ongoing weapon system upgrades and integration support for emerging naval platforms.
The delivery of the 250th RAM launcher underscores the program’s long-term strategic value, as demand for reliable, scalable, and advanced ship self-defense systems continues to grow globally.
