South Korea Completes Facility for CIWS-II Anti-Aircraft System Production

South Korean defense contractor LIG Nex1 has completed the construction of a new facility for the serial production and testing of the CIWS-II close-in weapon system.

The company announced this in a press release, Naval News has reported.

According to Naval News, the production line and test site — built at a cost of 21 billion won (approximately $15 million) — are expected to accelerate both the final stages of development and future mass production of the CIWS-II.

The CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) serves as a ship’s last line of defense against anti-ship missiles and other close-range aerial threats.

LIG Nex1 aims to complete the system’s development by 2027. The CIWS-II will feature a 360-degree active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an electro-optical targeting system, and a 30 mm Gatling gun.

The system will also be capable of firing programmable Advanced Hit Efficiency and Destruction (AHEAD) ammunition, enhancing its ability to counter drone swarms and other fast-moving aerial threats.

Following the completion of development, CIWS-II systems are expected to be deployed on Republic of Korea Navy vessels, including the next-generation Chungnam-class frigates. A land-based version of the system is also planned.