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Saudis seek upgrade of Phalanx systems

The U.S. State Department approved a possible $154.9 million sale to Saudi Arabia of kits to upgrade Phalanx weapons systems.

By Richard Tomkins
The U.S. State Department approved a possible sale to Saudi Arabia of upgrade kits for Phalanx systems. Pictured, the Phalanx Close-In Weapons System fires during an exercise aboard a U.S. Navy ship. Photo by U.S. Navy
The U.S. State Department approved a possible sale to Saudi Arabia of upgrade kits for Phalanx systems. Pictured, the Phalanx Close-In Weapons System fires during an exercise aboard a U.S. Navy ship. Photo by U.S. Navy

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- A request from Saudi Arabia to procure MK 15 Phalanx Close-in Weapons System upgrade kits from the United States has been approved by the State Department.

The five kits -- plus additional equipment, training and logistics support -- would be obtained through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program at a cost of $154.9 million.

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"The proposed sale will provide Saudi Arabia with self-defense capabilities for surface combatants supporting both national and multi-national naval operations," said the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency in a notification to Congress. "Saudi Arabia will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense."

DSCA manages the FMS program Saudi Arabia and is required to report possible sales to Congress.

Phalanx is a radar-guided 20mm Gatling gun for close-in defense against anti-ship missiles and vessels. Its effective range is 2.2 miles. The gun's rate of fire is 4,500 rounds a minute.

The system performs search, detection, threat evaluation and tracking. The Block 1B version adds forward-looking infrared sensors, and a control station that allow operators to visually track and identify targets.

Raytheon, maker of the Phalanx, said the upgrade allows Phalanx to be used against helicopters and high-speed surface craft.

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The prime contractor for the proposed FMS sale would be Raytheon Missiles Systems.

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