Meroka CIWS

In the early to mid-2000s, the system and the logistics chain ceased to be in service, the weapons remained installed on the ships due to the cost of dismantling them.

At present (2024), these weapons can be seen not in use on the Santa María class units, with the exception of the F-86 Frigate Canarias, in which it was replaced by an anti-drone system in 2023.

The "Meroka" was developed and produced by the Spanish firm FABA Sistemas (Fábrica de Artillería Bazán).

Unlike a rotary cannon, the Meroka CIWS uses individual guns firing in salvos or simultaneously; the barrels are purposely skewed in order to expand the impact area.

The guns are mounted in an enclosed automatic turret and are directed by radar or an optronic thermal controlling system.