Phalanx is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20 mm gun system that automatically acquires, tracks and destroys enemy threats that have penetrated all other ship defense systems. Photo courtesy Raytheon

TUCSON, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon with a $159 million contract to produce and maintain Phalanx Close-in Weapon Systems, the company announced on Friday.

The contract includes support equipment for both the Phalanx and SeaRAM weapon systems, Block 1B radar upgrades, and an overhaul of four land-based Phalanx Weapon Systems. Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon's Naval and Area Mission Defense product line says the new products to be delivered to the Navy will allow vessels to perform more tasks on their own.


"Phalanx provides the U.S. Navy's ships with a 'last-chance' defense against anti-ship missiles and littoral warfare threats while SeaRAM extends that inner-layer battlespace," Nelson said in a statement. "Close-in systems give warfighters the ability to automatically carry out functions usually performed by separate systems on other ships."

The Phalanx is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar-guided gun system designed to meet threats up close from sea platforms, such as anti-ship missiles and other incoming threats. The system is also useful for providing early warnings for attacks.

Marketed as a self-contained package, the Phalanx comes equipped with search, detection, threat evaluation, and tracking capabilities. It uses an infrared sensor to track and engage helicopters, high speed aircraft, and land-based threats. The U.S. Navy equips all combatant ship classes with the Phalanx.