The U.S. State Department approved a possible FMS to Egypt of Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2 Tactical Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $197 million cost. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification, notifying Congress of this possible sale.
Egypt has requested to buy up to one hundred sixty-eight (168) RIM‑116C Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2 tactical missiles.Also included are RAM Guided Missile Round Pack Tri-Pack shipping and storage containers; operator manuals and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.The estimated total program cost is $197 million.
The proposed sale will support the Egyptian Navy's Fast Missile Craft ships and significantly enhance area defence capabilities over Egypt's coastal areas and approaches to the Suez Canal.Egypt will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces since Egypt already operates previously procured RAM Block 1A missiles.
The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missiles & Defense (RMD), Tucson, AZ.There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
RAM Block 2 missile
The Block 2 variant, the latest evolution in the RAM missile development, has a larger rocket motor, advanced control section and an enhanced RF receiver capable of detecting the quietest of threat emitters. The improvements make the missile two and a half times more manoeuvrable, with one and a half times the effective intercept range. This upgrade provides the Block 2 variant to defeat highly stressing threats, increasing the defended ship's survivability.
