Japan to Acquire Phalanx Close-in Weapon System for Naval Defence

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan of MK 15 Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) Block IB Baseline 1 to MK 15 Phalanx Block IB Baseline 2 conversion kits for an estimated cost of $45 million.

The Government of Japan has requested to buy twenty-four (24) MK 15 Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) Block IB Baseline 1 to MK 15 Phalanx Block IB Baseline 2 conversion kits.  Also included is support equipment, spare parts, publications, software and associated support, and logistical support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.  The estimated total case value is $45 million.

MK 15 Phalanx CIWS provides Navy ships with an inner layer point defense capability against anti-ship missiles (ASM), aircraft and littoral warfare threats that have penetrated other fleet defenses. Phalanx automatically detects, evaluates, tracks, engages and performs kill assessment against ASM and high speed aircraft threats.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale Monday.

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, AZ.  There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.