Korean KDX-3 Destroyers to Get Rolling Airframe Missiles

Released on Monday, October 11, 2004

Raytheon Company has been awarded a $25 million contract by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) to provide three Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Guided missile weapon systems for three KDX-3 class destroyers to be built by 2010.

This is the fourth direct commercial sale involving RAM weapon systems awarded by the Republic of Korea to Raytheon. RAM provides Republic of Korea Navy with vital defense capability, as part of multi-layer defense layout, against anti-ship missiles, helicopters, aircraft and surface craft. RoKN will be the first navy in the World to integrate RAM onto an Aegis-equipped platform.

AM is a lightweight, quick reaction, ships self-defense missile system. Currently in production, the Rolling Airframe Missile Block 1 is equipped with an infrared seeker, advanced proximity fuse, and dual radio frequency/infrared capability to better protect ships against incoming anti-ship missiles. The Block 1 missile encompasses the HAS upgrade which allows to effectively engage helicopters, aircraft and surface craft even in high clutter environments.

The HAS upgrade, in development, will retain all Block 1 missile capabilities while adding advanced signal processing. Raytheon along with a German consortium known as RAMSYS is developing and marketing the RAM weapon system. In addition to the United States, Germany, and the Republic of Korea; RAM has been purchased by the Greek Navy which will deploy the weapon system soon.