The Taiwanese Navy has installed the latest variant of Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) into its main surface combatants to improve their ability to take out incoming threats.
Among the warships that received the latest Block 1B version are Keelung-class destroyers, Tuo Chiang-class frigates, and Kang Ding-class frigates, according to a defense source.
Eight additional Block 1A systems are also reportedly being upgraded in the US, and they could be delivered to Taipei as early as next year.
The weapons are expected to be integrated into Taiwan’s Yushan-class landing platform docks and next-generation light frigates, which are still under construction.
Sources said the Taiwanese Navy has spent more than 10 billion New Taiwan dollars ($313 million) for the significant lethality upgrade.
‘Last Line of Defense’
CIWS is an integral part of a surface warship for they serve as its “last line of defense.”
Capable of firing 4,500 rounds a minute, the weapon is typically used for close-range intercepts or when incoming targets get too close for friendly missiles to neutralize.
The importance of close-in weapons was demonstrated in the Red Sea earlier this year when a Houthi missile got within a nautical mile (1.8 kilometers) of an American warship.
The Block 1B that recently arrived in Taipei reportedly offers a significant increase in capability over other Phalanx variants, thanks to the addition of a stabilized electro-optic sensor for countering asymmetric warfare threats.
This improvement allows the weapon a superior range of engagement and rate of fire for neutralizing high-speed enemy boats, aircraft, and drones.
Bolstering Naval Capabilities
Installation of the Phalanx weapon system comes as Taipei continues to bolster its naval capabilities amid reports that China may soon launch an amphibious invasion.
Beijing’s increasing naval activities around the island nation have fueled speculation that it is rehearsing a maritime blockade on Taiwan.
Apart from upgrading the lethality of its warships, the Taiwanese Navy has practiced the repulsion of potential amphibious attacks by the People’s Liberation Army.