Raytheon, an RTX business, has been awarded a contract by Japan’s shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to provide SeaRAM ship self-defense systems in support of Australia’s Sea3000 General Purpose Frigate program.
Under the contract, Raytheon will supply SeaRAM launchers, Blast test vehicles, and technical services to support installation and testing of the systems for the first three ships, which are being built in Japan by MHI.
“SeaRAM extends the defensive reach of a ship beyond traditional close in weapon system ranges,” said Barbara Borganovi , president of Naval Power at Raytheon.
“By integrating SeaRAM on the Royal Australian Navy’s new surface combatants, Australia gains a proven, highly effective terminal air and missile defense layer for its future fleet.”
SeaRAM combines the Phalanx Close In Weapon System (CIWS) with the rolling airframe missile (RAM) to provide autonomous terminal defense against cruise missiles and other advanced airborne threats. The selection of SeaRAM underscores long-term demand for these systems and positions Australia as a new member of the global RAM user community.
Work on this contract will take place in Louisville, Kentucky. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2028.
The Sea3000 program is set to replace the decommissioning Anzac-class frigates with 11 upgraded Mogami-class frigates. Australia recently signed a contract for the first three general-purpose frigates.