UK Buys MK 15 Phalanx CIWS Upgrade Kits

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Monday of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Kingdom of Ordnance Alteration Kits for conversion and upgrades of MK15 PHALANX Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $137 million.

The Government of the United Kingdom (UK) has requested the sale of 20 Block 1A to Block 1B Baseline 2 configuration Ordnance Alteration Kits and 16 Block 1B Baseline 1 to Baseline 2 Ordnance Alteration Kits for conversion and upgrades of MK15 PHALANX Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, software support, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and all other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $137 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to maintain and improve the security of a key NATO partner that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic power in Europe.

The MK 15 PHALANX CIWS overhauls/upgrades will be used for close-in ship self-defense against air and surface threats onboard the UK’s naval combatants and auxiliaries. The MK 15 PHALANX CIWS Block 1B Baseline 2 upgrades will provide enhanced electro-optical and radiofrequency close-in detection, tracking and engagement capabilities over the UK’s existing MK 15 PHALANX systems, while improving CIWS supportability, maintainability and interoperability with U.S. systems. The UK, which already has earlier versions of the MK 15 PHALANX in its inventory, will have no problem absorbing these upgrades and support into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the UK.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.