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.
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.