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Raytheon Company is providing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces’ newest ship, the Baynunah Class Corvettes, with the Evolved SEASPARROW Missile (ESSM) and the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Weapon Systems.
With the signing of an ESSM Letter of Offer and Acceptance in Oct., 2006 and a contract amendment with Abu Dhabi Ship Building for the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) weapon system in Jan., 2007, the Baynunah Class Corvettes are on course to set the regional standard for ship self-protection capability.
Raytheon and Abu Dhabi Ship Building are working very closely toward completing the integration of ESSM aboard the Baynunah Corvette.
ESSM and RAM are two of the most modern weapon systems that have the speed, agility and accuracy to engage multiple threats while ensuring own ship survivability. These are two proven systems which have been designed to counter the threats of today: advanced anti-ship missiles, high speed aircraft, attack helicopters, unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and surface vessels.
"ESSM and RAM are going to provide the UAE Armed Forces with an unprecedented self-defense capability," said Frank Wyatt, Raytheon’s Naval Weapon Systems vice president. "These two weapon systems will be the core of a layered defense that can engage the entire threat spectrum while providing local area defense to unarmed vessels in which the UAE Navy may be escorting."
ESSM is an international cooperative upgrade of the RIM-7 SeaSparrow Missile. ESSM is a medium range missile that provides world class ship self defense and local area defense against anti-ship cruise missiles, low velocity air targets and surface targets. Raytheon leads a highly capable, international team of world-class companies involved in ESSM development and production. The first production ESSM was delivered in 2002 and successful live firings have been conducted by seven international navies.
The RAM Block 1A Helo/Air/Surface (HAS) missile is a lightweight, quick reaction, high-firepower system designed to provide fire-and-forget defense against anti-ship cruise missiles, helicopters, airborne threats, as well as against hostile surface craft. The RAM Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) includes a 21-round light-weight trainable launcher with supporting below-deck electronics, and intuitive control interface.
RAM is co-developed and co-produced under a long standing cooperative program between the United States and German governments.
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