Air Defense
Goalkeeper CIWS
The Goalkeeper CIWS is a Dutch close-in weapon system made by Thales Nederland (formerly Hollandse Signaalapparaten), in service since 1979. It uses a 30 mm GAU-8/A Avenger cannon firing about 4,200 rounds a minute against missiles and small craft.
Netherlands|Thales NederlandOverview
The Goalkeeper is a fully automatic system that searches, tracks and fires without an operator. It is built in Hengelo and was first operational on Dutch Navy ships, including Karel Doorman-class frigates. The mount holds a seven-barrel 30 mm GAU-8/A Avenger cannon, the same gun family as the A-10, with about 1,190 rounds in the drum. The rate of fire is around 4,200 rounds a minute, and the effective range is roughly 2 km. I-band search and Ku-band tracking radars share the mount, which weighs about 9.9 tonnes.
The Block 1 improved ammunition and fire control, Block 1B added anti-surface capability with FLIR, and Block 2 improved detection against small craft. Roughly 250 or more systems have been built. Users include the Netherlands, the UK, Belgium, Portugal, Chile, South Korea, the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, though fleets vary by source. The Royal Navy fits it on Type 23 frigates and other ships but is shifting some hulls to Phalanx. The system is a last-ditch defence, not area air defence.
Key Specifications
Variants
The SGE-30 Goalkeeper is the original Dutch 30 mm close-in defence system.
The Goalkeeper Block 1 improved the ammunition and fire control of the base system.
The Goalkeeper Block 2 adds better detection against small surface craft.
Operators
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Belgium
Portugal
Chile
UAE
Qatar
South Korea
Saudi ArabiaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the Goalkeeper CIWS?
The Goalkeeper CIWS has an effective range of roughly 2 km, with an engagement envelope quoted at 300 m to 2 km. It fires a 30 mm cannon at about 4,200 rounds a minute.
Goalkeeper vs Phalanx: which is better?
The Goalkeeper fires a heavier 30 mm round, while the Phalanx is lighter and uses a smaller 20 mm round. The Goalkeeper mount weighs about 9.9 tonnes against around 6,200 kg for the Phalanx Block 1B.
Which countries use the Goalkeeper CIWS?
The Goalkeeper is used by the Netherlands, the UK, Belgium, Portugal, Chile, South Korea, the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Some ships are ex-Dutch transfers, and fleets vary by source.
Does Türkiye use the Goalkeeper?
No, Türkiye does not use the Goalkeeper. The Turkish Navy relies on the Phalanx, Sea Zenith and the Aselsan Gökdeniz CIWS.
How does the Goalkeeper CIWS work?
The Goalkeeper CIWS searches and tracks targets automatically with I-band and Ku-band radars, then fires its 30 mm cannon. Its radar tracks both the target and the rounds so fire can be corrected.
Which Arab countries have the Goalkeeper?
The UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia operate the Goalkeeper CIWS on naval vessels. It is used mainly against anti-ship missiles and small boats.