Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 21, 2026

SeaRAM Weapon System

The SeaRAM Weapon System is an American missile based CIWS, combining the sensor systems of the US Navy's earlier Phalanx CIWS, and combining it with the weapons systems of its RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile. The new system was conceived to add enhanced protection to existing Arleigh Burke class destroyers dedicated to the BMD mission utilizing the Aegis Combat System. Raytheon is the primary contractor for the system, as it is also the primary contractors for both the Phalanx and Rolling Airframe Missile systems, which it became after acquiring Hughes, which owned General Dynamics' missile division, which originally designed and produced both, although German Contractor Diehl Defense also contributed to development of the RIM-116.

Last revised
Jul 21, 2026
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≈ 1 min
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199 w
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Source
SeaRAM system on the JMSDF Izumo class aircraft carrying multi-role cruiser Izumo (DDH-183) source ↗

The SeaRAM Weapon System is an American missile based CIWS (Close-In Weapon System), combining the sensor systems of the US Navy's earlier Phalanx CIWS, and combining it with the weapons systems of its RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile. The new system was conceived to add enhanced protection to existing Arleigh Burke class destroyers dedicated to the BMD (Ballistic Missile Defense) mission utilizing the Aegis Combat System.1 Raytheon is the primary contractor for the system, as it is also the primary contractors for both the Phalanx2 and Rolling Airframe Missile3 systems, which it became after acquiring Hughes, which owned General Dynamics' missile division, which originally designed and produced both,4 although German Contractor Diehl Defense also contributed to development of the RIM-116.5

References

References

  1. Eckstein, Megan (2015-09-15). "Navy Integrating SeaRAM on Rota-Based DDGs; First Installation Complete In November". USNI News. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
  2. "Phalanx System". www.rtx.com. Retrieved 2026-07-08.
  3. "RAM Missile". www.rtx.com. Retrieved 2026-07-08.
  4. "MK 15 - Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)". United States Navy. Archived from the original on 2026-06-22. Retrieved 2026-07-08.
  5. Castañeda, Bea (2026-02-03). "An Inside Look at the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM)". The Defense Post. Retrieved 2026-07-08.