The U.S. Navy will replace the Mk.15 Phalanx close defence systems of the " Arleigh Burke " destroyers with the longer-range RIM-116 RAM.
The U.S. Navy implies the Destroyer Modernization 2.0 " program by retiring the Close-In Weapon System Mk.15 Phalanx. The gun-based system will be replaced with the RAM/SeaRAMs, a missile-based system. The difference between the two systems is that SeaRAM incorporates independent sensors (radar and electro-optical system) derived from the Mk.15 Phalanx. The replacement target was announced at the Navy League's annual Sea Air Space conference. This means that SeaRAM can be easily and quickly integrated into ships, as it is a completely independent system. The Mk.15 Phalanx and the RAM/SeaRAM are effective close defence systems. However, the RAM/SeaRAMs have a longer range than the Mk.15 Phalanx. In particular, the RAM/SeaRAM intercepts the incoming threat at about 10 km, while the Mk.15 Phalanx at 1.5-2 km. One solution to this problem is sequential defence. The use of the infrared seeker makes the RAM/SeaRAM systems capable of intercepting anti-ship missiles with Stealth characteristics. If the missile transmits (active radar), the RAM/SeaRAM missile activates the RF seeker and achieves interception.
