Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Royal Navy’s Phalanx CIWS is permitted to defeat crewed a) fixed-wing or b) rotary-wing platforms.

The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is designed primarily to counter incoming missiles and other immediate air or surface threats, with its employment governed by strict Rules of Engagement. Any use of the system against crewed fixed‑ or rotary‑wing aircraft would be considered on a case‑by‑case basis in line with international law and operational necessity, noting that specific Rules of Engagement profiles are classified and protected from disclosure to ensure operational ambiguity and effectiveness.