The South Korean defense procurement agency (DAPA) announced plans to launch a project that would develop a homegrown close-in weapon system (CIWS) for all types of Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy ships.
CIWS are used by navies worldwide as a tool to counter air and surface targets at short distances, but can also be used to neutralize rapidly maneuvering attack boats.
ROK Navy ships currently use RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) systems and Dutch Goalkeeper CIWS. It should be noted that the Royal Netherlands Navy is itself transitioning from the Goalkeeper to a combination of the RAM system and the DART 76 mm naval gun ammunition for a CIWS solution.
CIWS-II, as DAPA referred to the system, is expected to incorporate locally-developed technologies and complete development by 2027. According to a graphic of the system shared by DAPA, the solution is expected to provide ships with protection against incoming threats at ranges of up to 14 kilometers.
The CIWS-II undertaking aligns with a previously announced project that will see the country develop an indigenous version of the C-RAM (counter-rocket artillery and mortar) system that would provide defense against North Korean long-range artillery. DAPA announced that project in June this year, saying it expects work to be completed by 2035, after an estimated investment of KRW2.89 trillion (USD2.56 billion).
