Exclusive: China unveils CS/SS2A close-in weapon system new indigenous equivalent to US C-RAM Phalanx.

The Chinese armed forces have officially showcased their latest close-in weapon system (CIWS), the CS/SS2A, a land-based defense platform likened to the U.S.-made C-RAM Phalanx system. This revelation, seen in a promotional trailer video by Chinese defense giants CSGC (China South Industries Group Corporation) and Norinco, comes ahead of the National Airshow in Zhuhai, running from November 12 to 17, 2024. Introducing this advanced CIWS marks a significant modernization step in China’s short-range air defense arsenal.
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The screenshot from the video shows a live-fire test of the CS/SS2A, China's new indigenous close-in weapon system equivalent to the US C-RAM Phalanx, demonstrating its rapid response and interception capabilities. (Picture source: NORINCO video footage)

The CS/SS2A is set to succeed the longstanding LD-2000 system, a staple in China's short-range air defense. It is equipped with a 30 mm rotary cannon and based on the Type 730 CIWS technology. The LD-2000 featured a seven-barrel cannon, fire control radar, and search radar, providing a layered approach to intercepting aerial threats. However, the new CS/SS2A draws inspiration from the Type 1130 CIWS with its enhanced 11-barrel rotary cannon, hinting at an even greater rate of fire and improved lethality.

The Type 1130 CIWS, a highly formidable weapon system developed by China, boasts the world's most giant Gatling cannon with 11 30mm barrels, capable of firing up to 11,000 rounds per minute. Equipped with two bomb bays and designed to handle close-range threats, this 30mm rapid-fire weapon system can simultaneously lock onto over 40 targets, providing critical defensive capability. In action, it delivers a maximum firepower rate of 10,000 rounds per minute or approximately 166 rounds per second. This weapon system is typically mounted on ships and serves as the last line of defense against aircraft, missiles, and other incoming threats. Its automatic turret base and radar, optical, and infrared tracking systems enable swift detection and interception, making it a highly advanced solution for close-in naval defense.

Notable advancements in the CS/SS2A include a modernized sensor suite and upgraded radar systems. The CS/SS2A utilizes a radar layout similar to the PLB625E hybrid air defense system, which merges a 25 mm rotary cannon with eight short-range missiles. This radar overhaul will likely enhance tracking and engagement capabilities, possibly extending the system's effective range and accuracy.

Another marked shift in design is its improved mobility. Unlike the LD-2000’s traditional heavy 8x8 truck chassis, the CS/SS2A is mounted on a trailer and 6x6 truck. This lighter, more flexible platform opens up deployment options, potentially allowing the system to be carried by a broader range of vehicles suited to different operational environments.

One of the remaining questions surrounding the CS/SS2A is whether it will retain compatibility with short-range missiles like the LD-2000, which could carry six TY-90 missiles on its sides. Missile integration would further expand the CS/SS2A's engagement envelope, making it a versatile and adaptable addition to China's layered air defense network.

This unveiling demonstrates China’s commitment to advancing its indigenous defense capabilities and aligning its systems with global benchmarks. The CS/SS2A positions China as a formidable short-range air defense player, reflecting technological progress and strategic foresight. As this system enters operational deployment, it is expected to significantly bolster the Chinese military's capacity to counter modern aerial threats, providing a homegrown solution that rivals established global systems like the U.S. C-RAM Phalanx.