UK requests Phalanx upgrade kits
The US State Department has made a determination approving a potential foreign military sale of MK 15 Phalanx upgrade kits to the UK, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 20 September.
In a package worth $75 million, the UK has requested 50 MK 15 Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) Block IB Baseline 2 upgrade kits. The request also includes support equipment, spare parts, logistical support services, training and engineering technical assistance and other related elements of programme support.
The Phalanx Baseline 2 radar upgrade kits will be used for close-in ship self-defence against air and surface threats onboard the Royal Navy's naval combatants and auxiliaries. The UK already possesses earlier versions of the MK 15 Phalanx in its inventory.
If the sale goes ahead, Raytheon Missile Systems will be the prime contractor.
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