The US Naval Sea Systems Command will award a contract modification to Raytheon for engineering and technical services in support of the mk15 Phalanx close-in-weapon system (CIWS).

The Phalanx CIWS is a rapid-fire automatic terminal defence weapon system designed to detect, track, engage, and destroy surface targets, anti-ship missiles and slow air targets.

The system is an integral element of the fleet defence in-depth concept and the ship self-defence programme of the US as well as for Japan and Saudi Arabia under the foreign military sales programme.

Currently, the system is fitted on 187 navy ships and is used by more than 20 foreign militaries.

Work will be carried out at the company’s facility in Arizona, US, and is expected to be completed by April 2012.