Ukraine Requests Retired CIWS and CRAM Phalanx Rail Guns from Canada and other Allies
Canada is a firm ally to Ukraine. It is always a pleasure working with the Canadian Defence Attaché in Kyiv, and we hope to build our relationships across the Canadian commercial, industry, government and NGO sector in 2024.
When Canada refurbished its frigates in 2015, the General Dynamics Phalanx Gun from each of them was put in storage. These guns could be a game changer for Ukraine Air Defence, which is under unimaginable pressure as russia fires cruise missiles and sends waves of loitering munitions at civilians, civilian infrastructure, even hospitals are targets. Air defence resources are stretched to the max.
These guns send up a wall of 20mm bullets that disintegrate in the air. This means that they do not pose a threat to civilians in urban areas where the bullets may land. Nothing can get through that wall – even the most powerful russian missile is no match for this defence. Imagine the lives and infrastructure that could be saved!
What needs to happen?
A letter of request has been submitted to both the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Government, and a visit from the Ukrainian Ambassador in Ottawa sharing the request is underway. In addition, we are approaching General Dynamics and their parent company, Raytheon, to request permission to convert the CIWS (designed for naval defence) to a ground defence system for Ukraine’s last point of defence.
We are also tracking down any and all retired systems around the world. The need is great. We can not over-emphasize the importance of these guns in defending civilian lives.