TUCSON, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Combat ships of the South Korean Navy are to be outfitted with Raytheon's Phalanx Block 1B close-in weapon systems, the company announced.
The nine Phalanx systems will be integrated aboard FFX Batch II frigate-class ships and AOE II-class fast combat support ships between 2016 and 2022 under the $123 million deal, which is the largest-ever direct sale of the system in its history.
"Phalanx provides the vital protective capabilities needed for the Republic of Korea Navy to achieve its maritime mission requirements in the littorals and high seas in which it operates," said Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon's Naval and Area Mission Defense product line. "Phalanx counters sophisticated subsonic and supersonic anti-ship missiles while increasing the outer perimeter for ship self-defense."
Phalanx is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20mm gun system. It automatically acquires, tracks and destroys enemy threats that have penetrated all other ship defense systems.
