Germany Approves Acquisition of RAM Block 2B and AMRAAM Missiles for Navy and Air Force.

On September 25, the budget committee of the German Bundestag approved the acquisition of new missiles for the Navy and Air Force. These missiles are intended to strengthen the air defense capabilities of frigates, corvettes, and Eurofighter jets. The project aims to equip the Bundeswehr with hundreds of Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Block 2B missiles, with a total cost of 372.6 million euros, financed through a special fund and the regular defense budget. Delivery of these missiles is scheduled between August 2029 and November 2031. Additionally, supplementary contracts amounting to approximately 26 million euros have been approved for the purchase of transport and storage containers for the missiles.

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The RAM program, initiated in 1976 in cooperation with the United States, has already equipped the German Navy with previous versions, RAM Block 1A and RAM Block 2 (Picture source: Bundeswehr)

The RAM Block 2B is a supersonic, guided missile system designed for close-range defense of ships against anti-ship missiles and other aerial threats. This missile is part of a bilateral program between the United States and Germany, developed by Raytheon Missile & Defense in partnership with Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland. The RAM Block 2B integrates an improved infrared seeker and a missile-to-missile communication link, enabling better coordination during salvo fire. This missile is designed to counter complex raid scenarios, including the latest generation of anti-ship missiles. It is deployed by several navies worldwide, including Egypt, Greece, Japan, and South Korea. For the German Navy, the order of 600 RAM Block 2B missiles, to be delivered from 2024, aims to enhance the protection of its frigates and corvettes.

The AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) is an active radar-guided air-to-air missile known for its performance in air dominance. With more than 30 years of technological development, the AMRAAM has demonstrated its effectiveness in real-world conditions and through thousands of tests, providing a versatile solution for air combat beyond visual range and in all weather conditions. Used by over 40 countries, including the United States and Germany, it is integrated into various fighter jets such as the F-16, F-35, and Eurofighter Typhoon. In Germany, the Eurofighter is equipped with advanced versions of the AMRAAM, such as the AIM-120 C8, which offers extended range and improved maneuverability. These capabilities allow the Luftwaffe to maintain air superiority in modern combat scenarios, ensuring the protection of German airspace and its allies.

The RAM program, initiated in 1976 in cooperation with the United States, has already equipped the German Navy with previous versions, RAM Block 1A and RAM Block 2. The new Block 2B version features an improved infrared seeker and a missile-to-missile communication system, enabling data exchange between multiple missiles during a salvo. These missiles will be used aboard German Navy frigates and corvettes for close-range defense against aerial threats.

Meanwhile, the Luftwaffe will acquire new AIM-120 C8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States. This project, which includes the purchase of several dozen missiles and training missiles, represents an investment of 122 million euros, also financed through the special fund and regular defense budget. Delivery of the missiles is scheduled between 2029 and 2032.

The AIM-120 C8, also known as the AIM-120 D, is an upgraded version of the AMRAAM, offering a 50% range increase compared to the C7 version and better maneuverability throughout its flight, increasing its success rate. While the missile's exact range is classified, it is estimated at approximately 160 kilometers according to available information. This program is part of a broader Bundeswehr strategy to equip its fighters with a flexible mix of weapon systems, including Meteor missiles, for air defense, airspace security, and offensive missions.

The currently deployed AMRAAM AIM-120 B missile is nearing the end of its operational life, justifying this new acquisition. The integration of AMRAAM and Meteor missiles ensures that the Eurofighter remains capable of facing modern threats. This decision to enhance these capabilities is part of Germany's broader efforts to modernize its defense systems to meet growing air security needs in an increasingly tense international context.

The development of these missile systems, whether RAM Block 2B for the Navy or AMRAAM for the Air Force, highlights Germany's intent to strengthen its defense capabilities and modernize its military equipment to meet future requirements. These acquisitions, spread over several years, will allow the Bundeswehr to maintain a strong position in air and maritime defense, ensuring operational continuity with existing systems.