The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale worth approximately $310m to Turkey for MK 15 Phalanx close-in weapons system (CIWS) upgrades and associated equipment, parts, and logistical support.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress about the possible sale.
Under this proposed deal, Turkey will receive four MK 15 Phalanx CIWS Block 1B Baseline 2 systems, as well as overhaul, upgrade, and conversion of 17 MK 15 Phalanx CIWS Block 0 systems to the Block 1B Baseline 2 configuration.
The deal also includes delivery of 21 remote control stations, 21 local control stations, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications, and technical documentation.
In addition, the US will provide its government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of programme and logistics support.
This development will enable the US to maintain its national interest to assist the Nato ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability.
With this deal, the Turkish Navy will benefit with improved self-defence capabilities for its surface combatants that support both national and multinational naval operations.
The new deliveries will extend the life of existing weapons systems, as well as adding four new weapons to Turkey’s two future landing ships tank (LST) vessels.
Principal contractor for this proposed deal will be Raytheon Missile Systems.
The US State Department has also approved a possible foreign military sale, estimated at $199m, to Japan for UGM-84L Harpoon Block II Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training, and logistical support.
Image: Raytheon Missile Systems Phalanx Block 1B close-in weapon system (CIWS) on board the Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring. Photo: courtesy of Hpeterswald.
