LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Systems were competing for the project, and LIG Nex1 was selected as the preferred bidder back in July. AESA radar technology developed for the KF-21 Boramae fighter will be integrated into the CIWS-II, which is scheduled to complete development in 2027. The ROK Navy currently operates Raytheon Phalanx and Thales Goalkeeper CIWS.
The CIWS-II program aims to develop a “next-generation” CIWS platform for the ROKN. The platform will serve as the “last line of defence” for ships of the FFX Batch III, KDDX, and CVX programs. The new platform needed to be more advanced than earlier iterations of CIWS to counter future anti-ship threats. KRW 320 billion is expected to be invested in the program until 2030.
Hanwha and LIG Nex1 revealed their designs for the program at MADEX 2021 which was held in June. The LIG Nex1 design utilizes active electronically scanned array (AESA) Radar and an electro-optical targeting system (EOTS). This is expected to make the system more capable than its predecessors. The platform mounts a 30mm Gatling-gun and is expected to use a specialized targeting algorithm designed specifically for the weapon.
LIG Nex1 cites its experience in maintaining the ROKN fleet’s inventory of 30mm goalkeepers and development of the anti-artillery radar-II, the first operationally ready platform fitted with a domestically designed AESA radar, as being key factors behind its sofar successful bid for CIWS-II.
Here is our video coverage of the two competing systems during MADEX 2021:
