Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:59:38-2:00:16

RIM-116 logistics versus a Phalanx upgrade path

A new close-in missile adds a logistics system; common upgrades to existing Phalanx mounts may be more practical.

Close-In Weapon SystemsNaval LogisticsPhalanxRIM-116 Rolling Airframe MissileRoyal Navy
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Question

Would RIM-116 be a worthwhile upgrade for Queen Elizabeth and similar ships?

Short answer

A fleet-wide Phalanx upgrade path avoids the separate logistics burden that RIM-116 would add.

Notes

RIM-116 has useful capability, while the Royal Navy already operates Phalanx across the fleet. Adding a new close-in missile would bring its own training, stores, maintenance, and supply chain. A fleet-wide improvement to an existing mount would preserve commonality while raising defensive performance. Laser technology added to the familiar Phalanx family is presented as a more plausible British modernization path.