Raytheon to provide sensor kits for Mk 15 Close-In Weapon System.

Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, is being awarded a $13,557,150 firm-fixed-price modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-19-C-5406 to exercise options for Mk 15 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) sensor kits.

MK-15 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) (Picture source: U.S. Navy)

CIWS is a fast-reaction terminal defence against low- and high-flying, high-speed manoeuvring anti-ship missile threats that have penetrated all other defenses. The CIWS is an integral element of the Fleet Defense In-Depth concept and the Ship Self-Defense Program. Operating either autonomously or integrated with a combat system, it is an automatic terminal defence weapon system designed to detect, track, engage and destroy anti-ship missile threats penetrating outer defence envelopes.

CIWS consists of three variants: Phalanx, which utilizes a six-barrel Gatling gun; Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) and SeaRAM, which replaces the gun with an 11-round Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) guide. CIWS is currently installed on Navy and Coast Guard ships and is also in use in foreign navies. The Phalanx Block 1B CIWS weapon systems are also being installed on low-boy trailers with self-contained diesel-electric power and cooling water. This configuration of the Phalanx CIWS is the Mk 15 mod 29 Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) and has been deployed to Iraq.

Work will be performed in El Segundo, California, and is expected to be completed by December 2022. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 weapon procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $13,557,150 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.