Close-in weapon system

A Close-in weapon system (CIWS) is a naval shipboard weapon system for detecting and destroying incoming anti-ship missiles and enemy aircraft at short range (the threat(s) having penetrated the ship's available outer defences). Typically, the acronym is pronounced "See-whiz."

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A CIWS usually consists of a combination of radars, computers, and multiple rapid-fire medium calibre guns placed on a rotating gun mount. One of the more well-known CIWS products in operation is the US Navy's Phalanx system. Another well-known CIWS is the Dutch-built Goalkeeper. Several others, such as the Turkish Sea Zenith, the Spanish Meroka, the Russian Kashtan and the Italian DARDO also exist.

Related Topics:
US Navy - Phalanx - Dutch - Goalkeeper - Sea Zenith - Meroka - Kashtan - DARDO

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Nearly all classes of modern warship are equipped with some kind of CIWS system. Smaller CIWS-like defenses are currently being developed for MBTs (Main Battle Tanks) in China and Russia ("Drozt" and "Arena" grenade launchers in the case of Russia).

Related Topics:
Warship - MBT - China - Russia - Drozt - Arena - Grenade launcher

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The concept of a CIWS became well known during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 when an Indian anti-ship missile penetrated the tanker PNS Daccas outer defences. Despite this, Leading Seaman Muhammed Hanif, manning his anti-aircraft gun, kept firing at the incoming missile till the last. Though he destroyed the missile and managed to save the ship partially, he was himself killed by the explosion. Muhammad Hanif left a legacy that gave birth to a new concept in naval warfare, the Close-in Weapon System, for defence against low flying anti-ship missiles.

Related Topics:
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 - Anti-ship missile - PNS Dacca - Anti-aircraft - Naval warfare

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