ANZAC Ships Upgrade
Close-In Weapons System (CIWS)
Client: Royal New Zealand Navy
Description
This project proposes to upgrade the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) which provides a last line of defence and protection from Anti-Ship Missiles (ASM) and strike aircraft. It also has the potential to provide an effective defence against Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC).
In order to meet policy objectives, the ANZAC class frigates must be capable of operating in environments where there is a risk of attack from ASM and FIAC. To be able to operate in such environments without undue risk or constraint, the frigates must be equipped with a level of self-defence against such threats. The CIWS provides a substantial proportion of this self-defence capability.
Government approval
In May 2007 the Government approved a project budget of NZ$25 million excluding GST.
Contract
A contract was signed in November 2007 with Raytheon Company of Tucson, Arizona, USA, to undertake the upgrade of the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS).
Current status
The upgrade of the first system is completed and is currently being shipped from the USA, and will be installed on HMNZS Te Mana in late 2010. The second system has been shipped to the USA and has commenced its upgrade.
Contact
Acquisition Division
Ministry of Defence
PO Box 12703
Molesworth Street
Wellington 6144
New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 496 0678
Fax: +64 4 496 0859
Email: info@defence.govt.nz
As at August 2010
