Raytheon to upgrade Phalanx CIWS for South Korea
Phalanx CIWS aboard USS Wasp. (Photo: USN/Daniel Barker)
Raytheon is upgrading and converting four Phalanx systems to the Block 1B Baseline 2 configuration for the Republic of Korea Navy.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense has obtained a $49.04 million modification to an FMS contract to provide the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) with Raytheon Phalanx close-in weapon systems (CIWSs).
The modification covers the upgrade and conversion of four Phalanx Block 0 systems to Block 1B Baseline 2, the DoD announced on 29 September.
Work at multiple US locations will be completed by May 2025.
The original $136.47 million contract was awarded to Raytheon in June 2021.
While the ROKN currently fields Phalanx and the Thales Goalkeeper for naval point defence, in October 2021 the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced that domestic company LIG Nex1 will manufacture the next-generation CIWS.
The new system is planned to enter service in 2027.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Anduril awarded $642 million counter-drone contract with US Marine Corps]()
Anduril awarded $642 million counter-drone contract with US Marine Corps
The contract will see counter-small uncrewed aerial systems (CsUAS) installed at bases, with the initial contract covering site survey and engineering services as well as some system procurement. Work is expected to be completed over the next ten years.
-
![Navantia combat systems selected for Chinese-built Thai LPD]()
Navantia combat systems selected for Chinese-built Thai LPD
The landing platform dock, believed to be the largest naval vessel that China has exported, will see the Chinese-built vessel embrace Western technology.
-
![Why USNORTHCOM would struggle to defeat China in the Arctic]()
Why USNORTHCOM would struggle to defeat China in the Arctic
Not having enough naval and C4ISR capabilities to patrol and monitor the region would the US at risk in a conflict with China in the Arctic region.
