Raytheon to upgrade Japan’s Phalanx CIWS

Raytheon will supply Phalanx Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) upgrade kits, support equipment and hardware spares to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) under a multi-year bulk buy contract announced on 30 October. The contract totals over $200 million.

CIWS is a central element of Japan's Ship Self-Defense Program. The rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20 mm gun system is designed to automatically acquire, track and destroy enemy threats that have penetrated all other ship defence systems.

Rick Nelson, vice president naval and area mission defense, Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘Phalanx provides the critical inner-layer of protection to sailors around the globe against threats that are continually evolving. Thanks to its array of sensors, Phalanx brings a proven solution against threats launched from land, sea or air.’

Phalanx Block 1B, the latest upgrade, with its surface mode configuration, augments the anti-air warfare capability by adding a forward looking infrared sensor and optimised gun barrels to the Block 1A configuration. It allows Phalanx to be used against littoral warfare threats such as helicopters and high-speed surface threats. Block 1B also adds new control stations with situational awareness that allows operators to visually track and identify targets before engagement.