UAE Navy Procures Raytheon RAM Block 2 Missile to Enhance Baynunah-class Corvette Protection

Raytheon announced on Day 1 of IDEX / NAVDEX 2017 that the United Arab Emirates Navy awarded Raytheon a multi-million direct commercial sale for an undisclosed amount of Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAMs) Block 2, associated equipment, training and support.

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NAVDEX 2017 Online News Coverage - Raytheon RAM Block II

UAE Navy Procures Raytheon RAM Block 2 Missile to Enhance Baynunah-class Corvette Protection

Raytheon announced on Day 1 of IDEX / NAVDEX 2017 that the United Arab Emirates Navy awarded Raytheon a multi-million direct commercial sale for an undisclosed amount of Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAMs) Block 2, associated equipment, training and support.

Close up view of the RAM launcher fitted on a UAE Navy Baynunah-class Corvette at NAVDEX

RAM is a best-in-class ship self-defense weapon. It’s a supersonic, lightweight, quick-reaction, fire-and-forget weapon designed to protect ships against anti-ship missiles, helicopters, aircraft and surface craft. “The Emirates want to protect the investment they’ve made in their naval forces, and that’s what RAM missiles provide,” said Chris Davis, president of Raytheon International Inc. in the UAE.

UAE Navy Baynunah-class Corvette at NAVDEX

The missiles will be used to protect the Emirates’ Baynunah-class corvettes, which are used by the UAE Navy for surveillance, interception, coastal patrol, helicopter operations and other security missions. According to Alan Davis, Raytheon’s Director of short-range defense systems, the RAM Block 2 is ideal for the UAE Navy because it “defends against complex threats that are maneuvering faster than other systems can defeat.” Asked by Navy Recognition if this was the first export sale for RAM Block 2, Davis replied: "The UAE is the first direct commercial sale of the RAM Block 2, and the first to have Block 2 capabilities in the region.”