Article Posted on : - Feb 27, 2014

Raytheon's Phalanx Block 1B. Photo: US Navy (PRNewsFoto/Raytheon Company)

TUCSON, ARIZONA (BNS): Raytheon Company has signed a $123 million contract to deliver nine Phalanx Block 1B Close-In Weapon Systems to the Republic of Korea Navy.

Under the direct commercial sale, the largest ever for the Phalanx programme, Raytheon will deliver the Phalanx systems for installation aboard the FFX Batch II frigate-class ships and AOE II-class fast combat support ships.

Deliveries will begin in 2016 and are scheduled to be completed in 2022. The contract was signed during the fourth quarter 2013.

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 defence systems.