AK-630
Soviet and Russian naval close-in weapon system with six 30 mm barrels.
The AK-630 is a Soviet and Russian fully automatic naval rotary cannon close-in weapon system (CIWS). Its designation refers to its six gun barrels and 30 mm caliber. Mounted in an enclosed automatic turret and directed by MR-123 fire-control radar and television detection and tracking, the system is primarily intended for defense against aircraft and helicopters, and has demonstrated effectiveness against anti-ship missiles in exercises, becoming the staple anti-air weapon of most Soviet naval vessels.
- Type
- Naval rotary cannon CIWS
- Caliber
- 30 mm
- Barrels
- 6
- Country of origin
- Soviet Union / Russia
- Primary role
- Defense against aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles
- Secondary roles
- Engagement of ships, small craft, coastal targets, floating mines
- Fire control
- MR-123 radar (NATO: Bass Tilt) and SP-521 electro-optical tracker
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Soviet Union, Russia
- Is Ranged
- YES
- Service
- 1976–present
- Used By
- See Operators
- Design Date
- 1963–1973 (AK-630) / 1983–1989 (1993) (AK-630M1-2)
- Manufacturer
- Tulamashzavod Gun and Shell Factory / Advanced Weapons and Equipment India
- Production Date
- 1972–present
- Number
- More than 1000
- Variants
- AK-630M, AK-630M1; / AK-306 (non-CIWS); / AK-630M1-2, AK-630M-2 Duet
- Part Length
- 1629 mm (total) / 1460 mm (rifled)
- Height
- 1070 mm (above deck) / 2050 mm (below deck)
- Crew
- 1
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The complete weapon system is called A-213-Vympel-A, comprising the AK-630M gun mount, MR-123-02 fire-control radar, and SP-521 electro-optical tracker. The radar can engage aerial targets at 4 km and surface targets at 5 km; the electro-optical system can detect a MiG-21-sized target at 7 km and a torpedo boat-sized target at 70 km. The gun mount is fully automated and can be remotely controlled. It has a higher firing rate than both Goalkeeper and Phalanx (Block 1 and older) CIWS models. During the Russo-Ukrainian War, the AK-630 was installed on trucks.
Reader's Guide
The AK-630 is a significant close-in weapon system that became the standard anti-air defense for Soviet and later Russian naval vessels, from small craft to aircraft carriers. Its development spanned over a decade, with the original design starting in 1963 and acceptance in 1976, followed by the improved AK-630M in 1979. The system's effectiveness against anti-ship missiles was demonstrated in exercises, making it a tried-and-true CIWS. Variants like the AK-306 for light craft and the twin-gun AK-630M1-2 'Roy' (which did not enter production) show the evolution of the design. The modernized AK-630M2 'Duet' with stealth features continues to be deployed. The system has been exported to numerous countries, including India, where it is reportedly manufactured by Gun and Shell Factory, and China, which produces the upgraded H/PJ-13 variant. Iran also fields a version called Kamand. Despite its high rate of fire, like all gun-based CIWS, it suffers from short engagement times and the need for multiple volleys. Its widespread adoption and continued use underscore its role as a key component of naval point defense.
Did You Know?
- The AK-630 has a higher firing rate than both the Goalkeeper and Phalanx (Block 1 and older) CIWS models.
- During the Russo-Ukrainian War, the AK-630 was installed on trucks.
- The AK-630M1-2 'Roy' had two guns mounted one above the other, achieving 10,000 rounds per minute, but was not accepted for production.
- The Chinese upgraded version of the AK-630M is called H/PJ-13 and features a stealth turret and domestic fire-control systems.
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