US considers Phalanx upgrade for Saudi
The US State Department has approved the possible sale of MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) Block 1B Baseline 2 Kits, equipment, training, and logistics support to Saudi Arabia, it was announced on 11 February.
Under the estimated $154.9 million sale, Saudi Arabia has requested the upgrade and conversion of five MK 15 Phalanx CIWS Block 0 systems to the Block 1B Baseline 2 configuration. The Block 0 systems are installed on four Royal Saudi Naval Forces Patrol Chaser Missile ships and its naval forces school. Five local control stations, US government and contractor engineering, and support and test equipment are also included in the request.
Saudi Arabia has also requested spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications, software, and technical documentation, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of programme and logistics support.
The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia's self defence capabilities for surface combatants supporting national and multi-national naval operations. It will also extend the life of the country's PCG Class ships.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays]()
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
