A key piece of the combat system for the Hobart class air warfare destroyers – the Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS) – has arrived in Adelaide. The Phalanx system for the future destroyers Hobart and Brisbane have been shipped from the United States to the AWD Alliance, CEO Rod Equid has said.

“The Phalanx CIWS includes a fastreaction 20mm Gatling gun that will provide the destroyers with a line of defence against anti-ship missiles, littoral or close to shore warfare threats, and aircraft at short range,” Equid said.

“It has the ability to automatically carry out functions usually performed by separate systems including target detection, evaluation, tracking and engagement.

“The weapon system is made up of a rotating cluster of six barrels that fire ammunition at a rate of up to 4,500 rounds per minute, as well as search and track radars, with an integrated electro-optic sensor.

“The AWD Phalanx CIWS, the Mk15 Block 1B, is integrated into the Aegis Weapon System and is an updated version of the equipment already in use by the Royal Australian Navy on the Adelaide Class guided-missile frigates.” The Phalanx is located at the rear of the ship on top of the helicopter hangar, overlooking the flight deck.

The Phalanx CIWS, built by Raytheon Missile Systems USA, was acquired by Raytheon Australia on behalf of the AWD Alliance. The $35-million contract includes the manufacture and delivery of the Phalanx weapon system for all three air warfare destroyers.