U.S. Government Greenlights $90 Million RIM-116 Missile Sale to Turkish Navy

The U.S. government has approved a significant arms deal with Turkey, authorizing the sale of RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) to bolster the Turkish Navy's defense capabilities. Valued at $90 million, this Foreign Military Sale (FMS) includes an impressive array of missile systems and support equipment, marking a notable enhancement in Turkey's naval defense arsenal.

The sale encompasses 94 Mk 44 MOD 4 RAM Guided Missile Round Packs, three Mk 47 MOD 9 telemeter missiles, and one blast test vehicle. This package will also cover the necessary transportation and storage containers and provide technical data from the U.S. Navy’s RAM Program Office. These components are essential for the Turkish Navy’s ADA-class corvettes, which will deploy the RAM system as part of their point defense strategy.

Originally, the RAM system was intended for installation on Turkey’s I-class frigates. However, following U.S. sanctions, Turkey adapted its defense approach. The indigenous Gökdeniz 35-mm close-in weapon system (CIWS) was mounted on the TCG Istanbul instead. The RAM system's deployment will now enhance the ADA-class corvettes, which are crucial to Turkey's naval defense network.

The RAM guided missile system is renowned for its rapid response and versatility. It is a supersonic, lightweight, and fire-and-forget weapon, designed to protect ships from anti-ship missiles, helicopters, aircraft, and surface threats. The system uses the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile airframe, with advanced features including a laser-pulsing proximity fuze and an infrared seeker adapted from the FIM-92 Stinger missile.

In terms of specifications, the RIM-116 measures 2.82 meters in length and has a diameter of 127 millimeters. It weighs 73.5 kilograms and has an effective range of 5.4 nautical miles. The missile is equipped with a 10-kilogram high-explosive blast fragmentation warhead and utilizes solid propellant for propulsion. Its guidance system combines passive radar and infrared technology, ensuring high accuracy and effectiveness against multiple simultaneous threats.

While the Turkish Navy is enhancing its defense capabilities with the RAM system, it is also developing indigenous solutions. Aselsan's Göksur and Roketsan's Levent point defense missile systems are in the works, with trials expected to commence soon. These systems aim to address the evolving threats faced by Turkish surface combatants and complement the capabilities provided by the new RAM missiles.

This arms deal underscores the ongoing strategic partnership between the U.S. and Turkey and highlights Turkey's commitment to strengthening its naval defense infrastructure with advanced technology.