The U.S. Navy ‘s Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) system just got a big upgrade as the branch received its first RAM Block 2 variant from Raytheon Company as part of the company’s 2012 Low Rate Initial Production contract.

RAM Block 2 features performance upgrades that include enhanced kinematics, an evolved radio frequency receiver and an improved control system.

According to Raytheon:

RAM is a supersonic, lightweight, quick-reaction, fire-and-forget missile designed to destroy anti-ship missiles. Its autonomous dual-mode passive radio frequency and infrared guidance design, requiring no shipboard support after missile launch, uniquely provide high-firepower capability for engaging multiple threats simultaneously.

“It is a significant accomplishment for the RAM Program and the U.S. Navy to accept our first Block 2 Missiles on time and within budget,” said USN CAPT John Keegan, RAM Major Program Manager, in a release. “It is extremely challenging to successfully transition from a development program to a production program.  Our success with Block 2 is testament to the outstanding cooperative effort across the entire international team and is indicative of the technical competence and rigor evident throughout the Program.”

RAM is a cooperative program between the U.S. and German governments with industry support fromRaytheon and RAMSYS of Germany, according to the release. The RAM Cooperative program has been in place for more than 30 years.