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Raytheon's 250th RAM Launcher Delivered

In a notable achievement for naval defense, Raytheon, a key player in the aerospace and defense sector, announced the successful delivery of its 250th RAM MK49 Guided-Missile Launching System (GMLS) to the U.S. Navy on May 19, 2025. This significant milestone will see the sophisticated launching system deployed on the USS Pittsburgh, part of the latest San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock fleet, enhancing the Navy's capabilities to protect its assets and personnel at sea.

The RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) program, celebrated for its pivotal role in naval defense for nearly 50 years, epitomizes a collaborative effort between the U.S. and Germany. Raytheon serves as the prime contractor while German industrial partner RAM-Systems GmbH supports its development. This successful collaboration has made RAM a vital asset not just for the U.S. Navy, but also for allied nations, with notable clients including Egypt, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon, remarked on the significance of this delivery, stating, “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.” The continued modernization and deployment of RAM systems are critical to adapting to evolving maritime threats, ensuring the safety of sailors and marine forces navigating today’s dynamic maritime environments.

The RAM missile system stands as the world's leading self-defense technology for naval vessels, protecting ships that range from nimble 220-foot corvettes to imposing 1,100-foot nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Its capability of intercepting diverse threats, including advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, aircraft, drones, and more, showcases its comprehensive defense features, which are increasingly vital in modern warfare.

To meet the rising global demand for advanced defense systems, Raytheon and its German partners are continuously investing in the RAM system. This includes expansions in production capacity—recent upgrades to Raytheon's GMLS manufacturing facilities have doubled production capabilities—in addition to numerous weapon system enhancements. Efforts also focus on integrating RAM capabilities with new naval platforms, ensuring that fleets remain equipped with the latest technologies to secure maritime operations.

Raytheon, part of RTX, has over a century of experience in providing state-of-the-art defense solutions to the U.S. government and its allies. The company is renowned for its advancements in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapon technologies, as well as innovative radar, sensor, and interceptor systems utilized across land, air, sea, and space.

As the world’s foremost aerospace and defense entity, RTX is committed to pushing the boundaries of technology for the protection of nations. With over 185,000 employees globally, the integration of leading companies such as Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney in its operation enhances the depth of defense strategies available for addressing the most pressing security challenges faced today.

As Raytheon celebrates this impressive milestone, the RAM program stands not only as a marker of achievement but also as a promise of enhanced defense diligence, ensuring that naval personnel remain safeguarded against threats in increasingly complex operational theaters.