This precision weapon is the Navy's last line of defense

Threats can change rapidly at sea, and the Navy has to be able to respond at a moment's notice

That's why the Navy has invested in a range of technologies to protect its ships, spanning from missile interceptors to new prototype lasers. But for threats that get too close, the Navy has a final line of defense — the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). 

Developed by Raytheon, the CIWS is "a rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun system," according to the program specifics. We have put together GIFs below highlighting the weapon system's capabilities. 

The CIWS system is installed on every Navy surface ship, as well as onboard ships of an additional 24 countries around the world.

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Principally, the system is used to detect, track, and destroy incoming enemy rounds before they can hit the ships.

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However, the system can also be used against approaching vessels. Here, the CIWS locks in on and attacks an approaching speedboat. 

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The weapon system, which uses computer guidance to track and engage threats, is also capable of anti-airfare operations, such as against helicopters. 

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With the right software upgrade, the CIWS gun system can be swapped out for the SeaRAM anti-ship missile defense system, which enlarges the weapon's range and allows the targeting of helicopters, planes, and drones.

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All together, the CIWS, Raytheon notes, performs the roles of "search, detection, threat evaluation, tracking, engagement and kill assessment."

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