DAHLGREN, Va. –
When a threat is seconds from impact, the close-in weapon system provides Navy ships with a final line of protection. Created for automated responses that exceed human reaction times, CIWS is the ultimate safeguard in high-stakes combat.
CIWS is a point-defense system designed to detect, track and engage short-range targets such as anti-ship missiles and aircraft. Most large modern warships are equipped with some variant of CIWS, which typically falls into three categories: gun-based systems, missile-based systems and a hybrid configuration combining both types.
Features include rapid-fire guns or missile launchers and advanced fire-control systems, often integrated with broader combat systems like Aegis. The weapon system utilizes specialized ammunition, including armor-piercing or proximity-fused rounds and operates for rapid response.
Among these, the Phalanx variant, nicknamed ‘R2D2’ by Sailors for its distinctive cylindrical appearance, became the most widely deployed. At its core is a Mark 61 Vulcan 20mm Gatling gun, and it serves as the last line of protection on many Aegis-equipped ships.
Although the development of the Aegis predates that of CIWS, the Phalanx was designed as a standalone defense and was deployed before Aegis became fully operational, making integration straightforward. Phalanx has proven so successful that the Navy has adapted it for additional roles, including the land-based Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar defense, the Sea Rolling Airframe Missile launching system and as a platform for laser weapons. SeaRAM combines the radar and electro-optical sensor of Phalanx with the RAM launcher, extending its defensive reach beyond the range of the gun.
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, recognized for its expertise in structural test firing, has played a central role in CIWS testing for the Navy. To support these efforts, NSWCDD developed a unique version of the Orchestrated Simulation through Modeling to plan, conduct and evaluate CIWS live-fire tests.
“NSWC Dahlgren has significantly contributed to the development and improvement of Phalanx Weapon System CIWS by working to integrate developmental upgrades with the Aegis Combat System, ensuring it can effectively communicate and coordinate with other defense systems on the ship,” said Nicholas Fronzo, Aegis program director. “Having a reliable, available, independent defense system has been a key component in being able to meet the ‘Aegis cornerstones’ of fast reaction time, high firepower, environmental immunity, continuous availability and complete coverage.”
As threats to naval forces evolve, every countermeasure must be considered. CIWS continues to adapt to emerging challenges and has solidified itself as the standard point-defense system across the fleet, allowing for prompt and sustained combat at sea.
Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series exploring the capabilities and developments of the Aegis Combat System. Read the first installment here.
When a threat is seconds from impact, the close-in weapon system provides Navy ships with a final line of protection. Created for automated responses that exceed human reaction times, CIWS is the ultimate safeguard in high-stakes combat.
CIWS is a point-defense system designed to detect, track and engage short-range targets such as anti-ship missiles and aircraft. Most large modern warships are equipped with some variant of CIWS, which typically falls into three categories: gun-based systems, missile-based systems and a hybrid configuration combining both types.
Features include rapid-fire guns or missile launchers and advanced fire-control systems, often integrated with broader combat systems like Aegis. The weapon system utilizes specialized ammunition, including armor-piercing or proximity-fused rounds and operates for rapid response.
Among these, the Phalanx variant, nicknamed ‘R2D2’ by Sailors for its distinctive cylindrical appearance, became the most widely deployed. At its core is a Mark 61 Vulcan 20mm Gatling gun, and it serves as the last line of protection on many Aegis-equipped ships.
Although the development of the Aegis predates that of CIWS, the Phalanx was designed as a standalone defense and was deployed before Aegis became fully operational, making integration straightforward. Phalanx has proven so successful that the Navy has adapted it for additional roles, including the land-based Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar defense, the Sea Rolling Airframe Missile launching system and as a platform for laser weapons. SeaRAM combines the radar and electro-optical sensor of Phalanx with the RAM launcher, extending its defensive reach beyond the range of the gun.
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, recognized for its expertise in structural test firing, has played a central role in CIWS testing for the Navy. To support these efforts, NSWCDD developed a unique version of the Orchestrated Simulation through Modeling to plan, conduct and evaluate CIWS live-fire tests.
“NSWC Dahlgren has significantly contributed to the development and improvement of Phalanx Weapon System CIWS by working to integrate developmental upgrades with the Aegis Combat System, ensuring it can effectively communicate and coordinate with other defense systems on the ship,” said Nicholas Fronzo, Aegis program director. “Having a reliable, available, independent defense system has been a key component in being able to meet the ‘Aegis cornerstones’ of fast reaction time, high firepower, environmental immunity, continuous availability and complete coverage.”
As threats to naval forces evolve, every countermeasure must be considered. CIWS continues to adapt to emerging challenges and has solidified itself as the standard point-defense system across the fleet, allowing for prompt and sustained combat at sea.
Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series exploring the capabilities and developments of the Aegis Combat System. Read the first installment here.