RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile is a U.S.-German cooperative ship self-defense missile developed to defeat anti-ship cruise missiles and other close-in threats. The U.S. Navy describes it as a lightweight quick-reaction fire-and-forget system. It is deployed through Mk 49 launchers and SeaRAM configurations on many U.S. and allied ships.
RAM combines compact missile dimensions, passive radio-frequency and infrared guidance concepts depending on variant, and a rolling airframe design for agility. Unlike semi-active radar missiles, it does not require shipboard illuminators after launch. Block upgrades improved seeker, control, and maneuver performance, with Block 2 giving better capability against faster and more maneuvering threats.
Operationally, RAM protects ships from sea-skimming missiles, aircraft, drones, and asymmetric surface or air threats at short range. It works as part of layered naval defense with long-range SAMs, electronic warfare, decoys, guns, and sensors. Its growing relevance comes from dense drone and missile threats where a ship needs fast, autonomous close-in engagements.
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