Australia to Upgrade Phalanx CIWS

Block 1B Phalanx CIWS (photo : Murdoconline)

WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for Close-In Weapon System Block 1B Baseline 2 upgrades and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $76 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on October 10, 2014.


The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of up to 3 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) Block 1B Baseline 1 to Baseline 2 upgrade kits: the overhaul and upgrade of up to 9 CIWS Block 1A mounts to Block 1B Baseline 2 systems; 11 Remote Control Stations; 11 Local Control Stations, spare and repair parts; support equipment; test equipment; personnel training and training equipment; publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor logistics and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $76 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major ally which has been, and continues to be a staunch coalition partner and important force for political stability throughout the world.

The proposed sale will improve Australia’s maritime defense capability to contribute to national defense and future coalition operations. Australia will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its shipboard defense. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this new upgrade into its armed forces.

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

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile 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 Australia.

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.

(DSCA)