The Phalanx close-in weapons system (CIWS) was introduced by the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in the 1980s as part of wider NATO efforts to strengthen fleet protection. During the Cold War, the rise of anti-ship missiles exposed a dangerous gap in naval defenses—warships needed something that could react instantly in the final moments before impact. CIWS filled that role, designed as an automated, rapid-response system capable of identifying and destroying threats when time had nearly run out.
As naval threats evolved, so too has Phalanx. Modern upgrades have enhanced its sensors and targeting systems, allowing it to tackle a wider range of dangers—from traditional missiles to small boats to, recently, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
The Canadian Armed Forces recognizes that uncrewed systems have become a persistent and rapidly evolving threat across all operational domains. In response, the RCN is institutionalizing Counter‑UAS (C-UAS) capabilities as an essential component of force protection and operational effectiveness.
From May 19-29, the RCN worked with Defence scientists, engineers, and technologists of the Autonomous and Radiological Technologies Section (ARTS) at Defence Research and Development Canada Suffield Research Center (DRDC SRC), Alberta, to test C-UAS upgrades to the CIWS tracking and fire control as well as assess its terminal effects against a wide variety of UAS and engagement scenarios
Mounted prominently on Canadian warships, the system combines radar tracking with a high-speed 20 mm Gatling gun, firing thousands of rounds per minute to intercept incoming targets at close range. Its compact, self-contained design allowed it to operate independently, giving crews a reliable safety net if other defensive layers were overwhelmed; the ship’s final guardian in high-threat scenarios. Well known by sailors as the “R2‑D2” due to its white radar dome and distinct shape, its ability to match the emerging C-UAS threat required assessment.
With a full crew manning a ship and safety templates that stretch into the tens of kilometres requiring off-shore manoeuvres, conducting such trials at sea would be both operationally complex and costly. With 2500 km2 of open prairie, unlimited restricted military airspace, and a synergy of explosives and robotics subject matter experts, DRDC SRC provided a controlled testing environment.
The facility's unique combination of range space, technical support, and operational flexibility allowed us to conduct trials in a highly effective and controlled environment. These advantages not only enhanced the quality of the data collected but also played a key role in the overall success of the program.
After two days of equipment setup and more than five days of live-fire trials involving thousands of rounds and numerous UAS engagements, the team successfully gathered critical data to better understand the performance, capabilities, and limitations of CIWS in the C-UAS role.
Noah Note: Trials like this happen all the time, but rarely do they get publicized. I am happy to see that there is a bit of a shift in the DND mentality to share certain things like these, fun things that might not carry significsnt weight but are still important to show off to the public as it gives a chance to show that there is experimentation and trialing going on. We didn't get much of that even a few years back.
Phalanx itself isn't the greatest, obviously, as a CUAS system. However, trialing with the assets and caoabilities we have, even if we know they have limitations, allows us to draw uo what the duture capabilities we might need are. The RCN, to credit, is very much taking a forward-looking approach to innovate across the spectrum, from Autonomous Systems, CUAS development, and munition development
One of my prime expamples here is the navy experimenting and investigating kinetic CUAS effectors for future surface vessels, as well as drone-on-drone systems. D/D systems have limits, but they work well when looked at theough a layered approach. Taking that concept to a naval vessel is still early in development for many. We DO have a somewhat working example since Federal Fleet has a MARSS NIDAR system on Asty.
But that is part of the conversation, and part of what is being looked at. Could it be something like JAGM? Rocket systems? Maybe something like a North Vector CM-70? We don't know, but the fact we are bith thinking about it and investigating solutions is important. I'm happy to see it done.
Do you know what capabilities will be on our upcoming RCDs for CUAS? Thank you Noah.