The delivery of 20mm Phalanx Mk-15 Block 1B (Baseline 2) Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) modernized in the USA under the CIWS Modernization and Procurement Project, initiated by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) in 2014, has been completed.

The Project was launched through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) channel and approved by the U.S. Congress in May 2015. The Project aims to upgrade the 17 Phalanx Mk-15 Block 0 (Mode 1) close-in weapon systems in the Turkish Naval Forces inventory to the Phalanx Mk-15 Block 1B (Baseline 2) level. However, according to the information I have learned, the number of systems to be upgraded, which was previously planned as 17, was later revised to 11. In the first phase, only 11 Phalanx Mk-15 Block 0 (Mode 1) CIWS were sent to the USA. The systems underwent a comprehensive maintenance and repair overhaul and were later delivered to Turkey in batches after being upgraded to the Phalanx Mk-15 Block 1B (Baseline 2) CIWS level. To meet the other 6 CIWS needs, either the existing six Mk-15 Block 0 (Mod 1) systems are planned to be sent to the USA for modernization, or six new production Phalanx Mk-15 Block 1B (Baseline 2) systems are expected to be purchased. However, no concrete progress could be made due to the political tension between the two countries and the open/hidden embargoes (CAATSA sanctions).