Defense News:
WASHINGTON – The U.S. State Department has approved a $75 million deal for Raytheon to upgrade and maintain Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems operated by Britain’s Royal Navy.
Congress was notified Wednesday of the deal, for 50 Block IB Baseline 2 Upgrade Kits of the MK 15 Phalanx CIWS, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The kits would be used for close-in ship self-defense against air and surface threats onboard the UK’s naval combatants and auxiliaries, according to the announcement.
The self-contained system includes search, detection, threat evaluation, tracking, engagement and kill assessment. Block 1B adds a forward-looking infrared sensor that can be used against helicopters and high-speed surface craft at sea while the land-based version helps identify and confirm incoming dangers, according to Raytheon.
