Phalanx, SeaRam Weapon Systems

Last Line of Defense for air, land and sea

The Phalanx® weapon system is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun that can defeat anti-ship missiles and other close-in threats on land and at sea.

2019, Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, was awarded an $81,311,942 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to exercise an option under previously-awarded contract for design agent engineering and technical support services for the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), SeaRAM, and Land-based Phalanx Weapon System. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.

At sea, it is designed to defeat anti-ship missiles and “close-in” threats that have pierced other lines of defense. On land, as part of the U.S. Army’s counter-rocket, artillery and mortar systems, it detects and destroys incoming rounds. It also helps provide early warning of attacks.

Land-based Phalanx® weapon system helps identify and confirm incoming dangers. (Photo: U.S. Army)

A self-contained package, the Phalanx weapon system automatically carries out functions usually performed by multiple systems: search, detection, threat evaluation, tracking, engagement and kill assessment. The Block 1B version of the system adds control stations that allow operators to visually track and identify targets before engagement.

The 1B variant’s configuration augments the Phalanx system’s proven anti-air warfare capability by adding a forward-looking infrared sensor. It allows the system to be used against helicopters and high-speed surface craft at sea while the land-based version helps identify and confirm incoming dangers.

The innovative SeaRAM system combines key attributes of the Phalanx® close-in weapon system and the RAM guided weapon system. Discover how this system provides the highest level of ship self-defense.

The Phalanx weapon system is installed on all U.S. Navy surface combatant ship classes and on those of 24 allied nations. The land-based version is forward deployed and has been used in combat.

Raytheon Canada Limited is overhauling and providing in-service support for the Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems operated by the Royal Canadian Navy.   

Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) produces Phalanx, a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20mm gun system that automatically acquires, tracks and destroys enemy threats that have penetrated other ship defense systems. More than 890 systems have been built for navies around the world.