To shoot down incoming threats (subsonic/supersonic cruise missiles, loitering ammunitions, drones and helicopters) I believe there could a reliable middle option in between CIWS and quick reaction missiles, using the main gun of the ship. Adding unprecedented operational flexibility to ship's both defensive and offensive capability.
To get an idea what we are talking about here, let's disscuse a system that is already in active service,
the STRALES system. Successfully developed by Leonardo.
Which includes three main components: a 76/62 naval gun, DART guided ammunition and a Radio Frequency Guidance System with associated electronic.
1. The DART projectile is similar in many aspects to other hyper-velocity systems, for example the
Starstreak SAM missile's multi-dart warhead, but is a guided gun projectile with radio controls and a proximity fuze for low level engagement (up to 2 meters over the sea). DART is fired at 1,200 m/s (3,900 ft/s), can reach 5 km range in only 5 seconds, and can perform up to 40G maneuver. The DART projectile is made of two parts: the forward is free to rotate and has two small canard wings for flight control. The aft part has the 2.5 kg warhead (with tungsten cubes and the 3A millimetric wave new fuse), six fixed wings and the radio receivers.
2. The guidance system is Command Line of Sight (CLOS). It uses a TX antenna installed on gun. The radio-command for them is provided on a broadcast data-link (Ka Band).
The DART projectiles are guided by a radio beam that follows the target by means of homing system. The projectile is fitted with a proximity fuze,
but there were many hits during the firing trials.
The Strales 76mm system with DART guided ammunition is the only weapon system in the world which can ensure high level performance (at a lower cost than dedicated anti-missile systems) in the engagement of manouevring supersonic missiles with high lateral g force. The system is very effective also in the engagement of fast manouevring little boats.
The first lot of DART/STRALES 76mm guided ammunition, produced by OTO Melara, was successfully tested at the end of March. The firing trials were conducted on board one of the Italian Navy’s ships equipped with Strales 76mm SR and Selex NA25 fire control system.
www.leonardo.com
The first lot of DART 76mm guided ammunition, produced by OTO Melara, was successfully tested at the end of March, 2014. The firing trials were conducted on board one of the Italian Navy's ships equipped with Strales 76mm SR and Selex NA25 fire control system.
Conclusion- I believe Aselsan and MKE has the technical know-how and necessary infrastructure to develop similar system for Turkish and friendly countries Navies based on MKE 76mm Naval gun.