Surface Navy 2026: Demand grows for RAM, other missile systems

Demand is growing for Rolling Airframe Missile systems, like the one shown here. (Raytheon)

In the wake of increased operations meant to counter missile and drone threats in the Red Sea and other regions, there is a growing need to replenish stocks related to missile-defence systems, according to industry and US Navy (USN) sources.

“Across all defence systems, replenishment is driving demand,” Kate Jefferson, Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) programme director, told Janes on 7 January during a RAM programme briefing in advance of the Surface Navy Association National Symposium 2026, which started on 13 January in Arlington, Virginia.

“There is an increased demand signal going forward,” she said.

Raytheon has seen an additional demand that was anticipated recently, due to the “real-world environment”, Jefferson said.

The RIM-116 RAMs are deployed via the MK49 RAM Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) and the MK15 Mod 32 SeaRAM Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) on more than 100 ships ranging from fast patrol boats to aircraft carriers.

RAM weapon system is a co-operative programme between the US and German governments with industry support from Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany.

Raytheon is seeing growing interest in launchers and effectors, she said.

There has not only been an increase in capacity but also a desire to enhance capability as well, Jefferson said.

For more information about concepts for RAM systems in the future US naval fleet concepts, please see Feature: US Navy mulls major concept changes for future force .

“We're continually evolving to stay ahead of the threats,” Misty Holmes, Raytheon vice-president of Naval Shipboard Missiles, told Janes during the same briefing.