Localization of CIWS Gun Barrels Underway [Yang Nakgyu's Defence Club]

SNT Dynamics Drives Localization of Foreign Autocannon
Poongsan Independently Developing Forward Dispersal Rounds for CIWS

The core components of the Close-In Weapon System (CIWS-II) are the gun barrel, turret, and ammunition. To defend against not only enemy aircraft and small, high-speed surface vessels but also swarms of drones on the ground, customized domestic development is necessary. CIWS-I uses the '30mm GAU-8' gun barrel, which is considered the most powerful autocannon in the world. The A-10 attack aircraft, nicknamed the 'Tank Killer,' is also equipped with this autocannon.

The core barrel of the Close-In Weapon System (CIWS-II) is being domestically developed by SNT Dynamics. Photo by SNT Dynamics

However, as the A-10 is scheduled to be retired soon, there will no longer be any countries using the GAU-8. In response, General Dynamics (GD), the manufacturer of the GAU-8, began increasing the price of the CIWS-II autocannon for the South Korean military. The new price is 7.3 billion KRW higher than the previous supply price. Reluctantly, the South Korean military commissioned Hyundai WIA for licensed production. GD also demanded additional technology fees, early orders for large quantities, and excessive advance payments. Ultimately, the military initiated domestic production. Under the leadership of the Agency for Defense Development (KRIT), SNT Dynamics is carrying out domestic development as part of the 'strategic component localization' project.

At the SNT Dynamics Changwon plant, the first prototype of the CIWS-II autocannon has already been produced and is undergoing testing and evaluation. After climbing an 11-meter-high staircase, the autocannon mounted on a fixed frame was observed rotating as its drive system was being tested. The CIWS-II autocannon can rotate 360 degrees, completing a full turn in four to five seconds. It can also move vertically up to 90 degrees. The CIWS-II autocannon has already completed its first ground firing test, firing approximately 4,200 rounds per minute with satisfactory performance. Given SNT Dynamics' prior experience developing the 30mm anti-aircraft gun for the Biho Complex, the company anticipates no issues with the CIWS-II autocannon development. Upon closer inspection of the stationary CIWS-II autocannon, it was revealed to have seven barrels, with each barrel capable of firing 600 rounds per minute. The company predicts that if a new algorithm for tracking moving targets is applied to the newly developed 30mm rounds, there will be no problem developing a multi-purpose CIWS autocannon for ground use. The CIWS-II autocannon uses a motor-driven system, ensuring continuous firing even if a round jams during operation.

Ammunition development for CIWS-II is also underway. Poongsan has embarked on independent development of what is called a forward dispersal round. This type of round uses centrifugal force after being fired to disperse tungsten submunitions contained inside. The plan is to develop it so that, when 135 submunitions are released 50 to 60 meters in front of the target, they can penetrate carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials. The German defense company Rheinmetall has already applied forward dispersal rounds to its Skyshield air defense system. Industry experts argue that the government should take a more active role in ammunition development. In October 2024, Poongsan proposed ammunition development as part of a rapid testing project, but the military rejected the proposal, citing inadequate weapon system applicability.

A military official stated, "As North Korea accelerates its drone development, the importance of defensive weapon systems is increasing. In addition to upgrading existing systems such as the Biho Complex and Cheonho wheeled anti-aircraft guns, we must also accelerate the development of forward dispersal rounds, which do not pose the risk of unexploded ordnance."