Egypt to Procure RAM Block 2 Tactical Missiles to Arm its Ships

The U.S. State Department today agreed to sell 168 RIM‑116C Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2 tactical missiles to Egypt to equip them on Navy’s Fast Missile Craft ships.

The contract is estimated to cost $197 million, and it includes RAM Guided Missile Round Pack Tri-Pack shipping and storage containers; operator manuals and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.

The missiles will provide significantly enhanced area defense capabilities over Egypt’s coastal areas and approaches to the Suez Canal, a Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) release today said.

Egypt already operates previously procured RAM Block 1A missiles.

RIM‑116C Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM)

Raytheon’s supersonic, lightweight, quick-reaction, fire-and-forget weapon, the RAM system is designed to destroy anti-ship missiles. Requiring no additional direction upon launch, its passive radio frequency and infrared guidance design provide high firepower to engage multiple threats simultaneously. The missile is continually improved to stay ahead of the ever-evolving threat of anti-ship missiles, helicopters, aircraft and surface craft.

RAM Block 2 missile

The Block 2 variant, the latest evolution in the development of the RAM missile, has a larger rocket motor, advanced control section and an enhanced RF receiver capable of detecting the quietest of threat emitters. The improvements make the missile two and a half times more maneuverable, with one and a half times the effective intercept range.

Launching system

The MK 44 guided missile round pack and the MK 49 guided missile launching system, which hold 21 missiles, comprise the MK 31 guided missile weapon system. The system is designed to be easily integrated into many different ships. A variety of existing ship sensors can readily provide the target and pointing information required to engage the anti-ship threat.

The MK 44 missile is also used in the SeaRAM anti-ship missile defense system, replacing the M601A1 Gatling gun in the Phalanx close-in weapon system with an 11-round launcher. The Phalanx system’s sensor suite and internal combat management system reduces dependency on the ship’s combat system and enables a fast reaction to stressing anti-ship missiles. The RAM Block 2 missile has been successfully fired from a SeaRAM system.