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    Royal Navy Boosts Defence with Phalanx CIWS on HMS Prince of Wales

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    In a pivotal enhancement of its defensive capabilities, the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales has been refitted with Phalanx Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS). It elevated the warship’s defense against aerial and missile threats.

    The strategic integration of this technology reinforces the Royal Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime security and projecting power globally.

    HMS Prince of Wales, a £3.2bn aircraft carrier, marks a significant addition to the Royal Navy’s fleet, embodying advanced military might and technological prowess.

    As the ship recently returned to its home port following participation in NATO’s Exercise Steadfast Defender—NATO’s largest operation since the Cold War—it was greeted with enthusiasm from observers ashore.

    The CIWS, engineered as a last-resort defense mechanism, is equipped with a 20mm M-61A1 cannon, search and track radar, and Forward-Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) in its Block 1B variant.

    Boasting automation in detecting, tracking, and neutralizing threats, the system is a critical asset for naval vessels.

    Over 850 Phalanx systems have been acquired by the United States Navy and 20 other nations, a testament to its effectiveness and reliability.

    During its recent maintenance period, the 65,000-tonne HMS Prince of Wales was visible with scaffolding across the flight deck.

    It’s an indicative of the extensive work being carried out to ensure the fleet’s operational readiness and adherence to rigorous defense commitments.

    In the near future, the carrier is slated for deployment to the Indo-Pacific region for military exercises in 2025.

    In a display of solidarity and international cooperation, the warship will spearhead a UK Carrier Strike Group, working alongside key allies such as Japan and the USA.

    The Defence Secretary has conveyed that this forward deployment is poised to send a “strong message” to potential challengers of the international order.

    Amidst discussions surrounding the adequacy of carrier protection, the Royal Navy has decided not to fit the 30mm Automated Small Calibre Guns (ASCG) on HMS Queen Elizabeth, stirring controversy among defense analysts.

    The UK’s Royal Navy, renowned for its historical dominance with “wooden ships and iron men,” once commanded the seas worldwide. While it once boasted the largest fleet of battleships, it has evolved into a smaller force, currently equipped with two “challenged” aircraft carriers.

    Nonetheless, the Royal Navy appears poised to pioneer the future with the announcement of the initiation of development on a new class of Multi Role Support Ships (MRSS). These specialized warships are designed to swiftly transport Royal Marines Commando Forces from sea to shore across the globe, indicating a strategic shift towards modern maritime capabilities.

    Relevant articles:
    British aircraft carrier has guns fitted, UK Defence Journal
    Close-in defence for the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers, Navy Lookout
    Forget Aircraft Carriers: The Royal Navy Is Going Big with Laser Weapons, The National Interest

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