LOUISVILLE, Ky.–The Navy is studying whether to expand deployment of Raytheon‘s [RTN] SeaRAM anti-ship missile defense system to other ships, according to a service official.
Navy Capt. Craig Bowden, program manager for terminal defense systems, told reporters here Tuesday the studies are being led by the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV). Raytheon on Tuesday held a ceremony to commemorate integration of the SeaRAM system on the first of four forward-deployed destroyers in Rota, Spain.
Raytheon Senior Program Manager for Close-In Defense Solutions Matt Button told reporters on Monday Raytheon has completed SeaRAM integration on two ships. The USS Carney (DDG-64), he said, just completed integration and did a live fire exercise in July. The USS Porter (DDG-78), Button said, was the first destroyer to receive SeaRAM and it performed a live fire exercise in March.
Button said the USS Ross (DDG-71) and USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) will also get SeaRAM. SeaRAM is on even-numbered Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) through 14, the Independence-class ships, according to Button.
Button said starting with LCS-17, SeaRAM will be on odd-numbered ships. Raytheon, he said, has already started software integration with that ship class and will continue that later this year. Button also said Raytheon is working to backfit SeaRAM on LCS-17 and earlier as these currently have Mk 49 launchers up to LCS-15.
Button said Raytheon has sold 16 total SeaRAMs. Four are on their way to Japan with two sold within the last month.
SeaRAM combines key attributes of the Phalanx close-in weapon system and the RAM guided weapon by combining the RAM missile with a high-resolution search-and-track sensor and a quick-response capability of the Phalanx Block 1B system. An 11-missile RAM system launcher assembly replaces the Phalanx system’s 20mm gun, according to Raytheon.