The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of a potential sale of MK15 Phalanx close-in weapon systems (CIWS) and associated equipment to the UK.

Under the $137m sale, the UK has requested 20 block 1A to block 1B baseline 2 configuration ordnance alteration kits and 16 block 1B baseline 1 to baseline 2 ordnance alteration kits for conversion and upgrades of the MK15 Phalanx CIWS.

The MK15 Phalanx CIWS upgrades will be used onboard the UK’s naval combatants and auxiliaries for close-in ship self defence against air and surface threats.

The upgrades will provide enhanced electro-optical and radio frequency close-in detection, tracking and engagement capabilities over the existing phalanx systems.

Raytheon Systems will be the prime contractor.