Goalkeeper CIWS

Goalkeeper CIWS

Type: Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)

Domain: sea

Country of Origin: France

Manufacturer: Thales Group

Overview

Dutch 30mm close-in weapon system providing last-ditch defense against anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and surface threats — representing one of the most effective naval point-defense systems globally. Goalkeeper features GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm seven-barrel Gatling gun (same weapon as A-10 Warthog) providing rate of fire of 4,200 rounds/minute, I-band search radar and K-band tracking radar providing autonomous target acquisition and tracking, electro-optical sensor backup, fully automated operation requiring no crew intervention (detect, track, engage, kill assessment without human input), effective range of 1,500 metres against missiles and 3,000+ metres against aircraft, and 1,190 rounds ready magazine. The 30mm ammunition provides superior destructive power over 20mm Phalanx CIWS ensuring target destruction. Reaction time under 6 seconds from detection to firing. Goalkeeper protects ship against sea-skimming missiles approaching at supersonic speeds where human reaction is impossible. Dutch Navy pioneered the system in 1980s installing on all major surface combatants. Exported to Royal Navy (Type 23 frigates), South Korean Navy, Chilean Navy, Portuguese Navy, UAE Navy, and others. The system proved performance in multiple live-fire tests destroying target missiles and drones. Represents successful Dutch defense industry in naval weapons. Continuous upgrades maintain cutting-edge capability including improved radars, ammunition, and integration with ship combat systems.

Technical Specifications

caliber30mm GAU-8/A Avenger (7-barrel Gatling)
magazine1,190 rounds ready
trackingI-band search + K-band tracking radar; EO backup
manufacturerThales, Netherlands
rate_of_fire4,200 rounds/min
reaction_time< 6 seconds detection to firing
effective_range~1,500 m (missiles); 3,000+ m (aircraft)

Operators

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