There is growing speculation that the domestically developed close-in weapons system for ships (CIWS-II) will establish itself as a next-generation defense export item. Expectations for U.S. exports of shipborne weapons systems have risen after the U.S. Navy unveiled a new shipbuilding plan that allows warship modules to be built at allied shipyards, including in Korea.
As of the 28th, according to industry sources, the domestic CIWS-II is undergoing component-by-component tests to verify heat durability, rate of fire, and more. All testing and evaluation are scheduled to be completed in 2028.
CIWS-II is a shipborne close-in defense weapon that combines six to seven autocannons with radar and a fire-control system. It is used to intercept swarms of enemy drones or small aircraft that have penetrated all air defense networks. The military authorities launched a project to localize this weapon to replace the Phalanx developed by U.S. companies RTX (formerly Raytheon) and General Dynamics.
LIG D&A is the prime contractor overseeing the domestic CIWS-II program. As SNT Dynamics and Hyundai WIA divide part of the production and supply 30 mm barrels, turret systems, and turret control units, LIG D&A integrates them onto ships.
The CIWS-II under development will be equipped with large-caliber rounds. It is being developed to a level capable of intercepting drones such as the Shahed, which drew attention in the recent Iran war, and even cruise missiles. This weapon, which can fire about 4,200 rounds per minute, is slated to be mounted on new destroyers to be operated by the Navy, including the Korea Destroyer Next Generation (KDDX), once testing is complete.
The U.S. market is where the domestic defense industry is focusing. Concerns are growing that frequent wars have eroded U.S. production capacity for missiles and air defense systems. The U.S. Department of Defense signed an expanded Phalanx contract with RTX in Feb. and stressed the need to boost production capacity and shorten delivery times.
It is also seen as a positive sign that the United States has publicly stated it will leverage allied shipbuilding capabilities. On the 11th (local time), the U.S. Navy announced a "shipbuilding plan" outlining the introduction of 15 Trump-class battleships by 2055 and said that, for surface combatants, modules such as hull structures could be built by allies.
LIG D&A established a U.S. subsidiary in Apr. and is pushing to sell a maritime air defense solution that includes the 2.75-inch (about 70 mm) guided rocket "Bihoong" and CIWS-II. Domestic defense companies are undergoing the U.S. Department of Defense's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) process to enter the U.S. defense market.
An industry official said, "In the past, the U.S. warship market was closed, but now there is a strong emphasis on diversifying supply chains."
Some in the industry argue that the scope of CIWS-II's applications should be expanded for exports. Although development is currently focused on shipboard deployment, placing the weapon on land would allow it to serve as an anti-aircraft weapon to defend key national facilities such as nuclear power plants, airports, and runways. If mounted on a transporter erector launcher (TEL) or a vehicle platform, it could also be used as a mobile air defense weapons system.
An industry official said, "In regions such as the Middle East, where the U.S.-Iran war is underway, there are many asymmetric attacks using low-cost drones, and demand for multi-purpose weapons systems is increasing," adding, "Korea should also invest to broaden CIWS-II's range of applications."