Air Defense
Kashtan CIWS
The Kashtan CIWS (export name Kortik, NATO CADS-N-1) is a Russian combined gun and missile close-in weapon system made by KBP of Tula, in service since 1989. Each module has two 30 mm rotary cannons and eight 9M311 missiles.
Russia|KBP Instrument Design BureauOverview
The Kashtan was developed by KBP and entered service in 1989, first on the carrier Admiral Kuznetsov with eight modules. A module combines two six-barrel 30 mm AO-18K cannons with eight 9M311 missiles derived from the Tunguska system, plus radar and an optical director. The guns fire 10,000 rounds a minute combined, effective from 500 to 4,000 m, and the missiles reach 1.5 to 8 km at about 900 m/s. Detection uses the 3R87 Hot Flash radar, and it fires 2 to 3 second bursts.
The Kashtan-M added a fourth-generation fire control, and the Palma is a lighter gun-only version for small ships. It is also fitted on Neustrashimy-class frigates, Sovremenny-class and Kirov-class ships, and the Indian Navy uses it on Talwar-class frigates; fleet lists vary by source. During the war in Ukraine, Black Sea ships were hit by Ukrainian drones and missiles despite their close-in defences. Rivals include the Phalanx, Goalkeeper, AK-630 and Pantsir-M.
Key Specifications
Variants
The Kashtan is the original combined gun-missile system with two 30 mm cannons and eight missiles.
The Kashtan-M adds a fourth-generation fire control system.
The Palma is a lighter gun-only version for small ships.
Operators
Russia
IndiaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the Kashtan CIWS?
The Kashtan CIWS has a missile range of 1.5 to 8 km and a gun range of 500 to 4,000 m. The 9M311 missile flies at about 900 m/s.
How fast does the Kashtan fire?
The Kashtan CIWS fires about 10,000 rounds per minute from its two six-barrel 30 mm cannons combined. It fires 2 to 3 second bursts.
Kashtan vs Phalanx: which is better?
The Kashtan combines guns and missiles, while the Phalanx is a gun-only system. The Kashtan has a longer reach, with missiles to 8 km against the Phalanx’s 1.5 to 2 km effective range.
Which ships have the Kashtan CIWS?
The Kashtan is fitted on the carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, Neustrashimy-class frigates and other Russian ships, and on Indian Navy Talwar-class frigates. Exact fleet lists vary by source.
Does Türkiye use the Kashtan?
No, Türkiye does not use the Kashtan. The Turkish Navy relies on the Phalanx, Sea Zenith and Gökdeniz.
How many missiles does the Kashtan carry?
The Kashtan carries eight 9M311 missiles per module, along with two 30 mm cannons. The missiles are derived from the Tunguska system.
