Marines Mark 50-Year Missile Partnership With Germany

VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES --

PAE Munitions marked the 50th anniversary of the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) program Sept. 17 during the 97th RAM Steering Committee meeting, recognizing five decades of U.S.-German cooperation to deliver and sustain a critical naval self-defense capability.

"For 50 years, the RAM program has continued to evolve to meet fleet needs and the changing threat environment," said Capt. Tom Pilkerton, Terminal Defense Systems program manager. "That steady focus on capability and modernization has helped sustain RAM's role as an important part of naval self-defense."

Since 1976, the RAM program has reflected a long-standing partnership between the U.S. and Germany, sustained by close collaboration across government and industry. Over five decades, that cooperative approach has helped the program adapt, endure, and build industrial base resiliency.

"We are operating in an environment where demand for capable weapons is increasing, and the ability to produce at scale is just as important as the capability itself. Foundational to RAM's success is the ability of our governments and industries to work together, solve problems together, and deliver together -- at speed and scale." Van Hendrey, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Munitions and U.S. Co-Chair of the RAM Steering Committee

RAM provides naval ships a rapid-response, short-range defensive capability against anti-ship cruise missiles and other airborne threats as part of a layered self-defense system. Its continued modernization has helped ensure the system remains responsive to evolving threats and fleet requirements.

The anniversary also underscores the strength and durability of the U.S.-German cooperative model, which has sustained the program through changing requirements, engineering challenges, and shifts in the threat environment while continuing to deliver capability for naval forces.

About PAE Munitions: Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Munitions is a Department of the Navy organization responsible for the development, procurement, and delivery of naval munitions and strike capabilities. By unifying key weapons programs and aligning the weapons industrial base, PAE Munitions provides enterprise-level integration to accelerate production, increase capacity, and ensure the Fleet is equipped with the munitions needed to project power and win.