What does the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) primarily defend against?

The RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) is primarily designed as a defense system to engage and neutralize anti-ship cruise missiles and a variety of asymmetric threats. This capability is crucial for naval vessels, as they often operate in environments where they may be targeted by fast-moving missiles from adversaries.

The RAM missile features a lightweight design and quick reaction time, allowing it to effectively intercept and destroy incoming threats, thereby providing a protective shield for naval assets. Its advanced guidance and targeting systems enhance its ability to track and engage multiple threats simultaneously, making it an essential part of a ship's defense strategy.

While submarine threats, ship-to-ship engagements, and land-based attack aircraft are also important considerations in naval warfare, the RAM's specific focus is on countering cruise missile attacks and other asymmetric threats, which can include smaller, faster vehicles or techniques employed by adversaries to attack naval forces in innovative ways.