The Kashtan (also known as CADS-N-1, Kashtan-M, Palma, or Palash) is a state-of-the-art dual missile/gun close-in weapon system (CIWS) developed to protect surface ships and coastal installations from modern aerial threats. Designed for rapid engagement of precision-guided weapons, sea-skimming missiles, aircraft, and small surface targets, Kashtan combines high-speed guns with surface-to-air missiles to provide multi-layered defensive coverage. The system is operational on several navies, including Russia, India, China, and Vietnam, reflecting its versatility and proven combat performance.
System Composition
The Kashtan system integrates:
- Combat Modules: Each module combines dual 30mm six-barrel GSh-6-30K guns with missile launchers, radar, optical fire-control systems, and onboard power supply.
- Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs): Typically 9M311-1 solid-propellant missiles in transport-launch containers, providing safe handling and reliability.
- Command and Control Module: Detects, classifies, tracks, and designates targets to combat modules using radar and optical channels.
- Ground Support Equipment: For maintenance, training, and reload operations.
A ship may carry one to six combat modules depending on size and required self-defense capability. On larger vessels, each module can integrate a 32-missile storage and loading system, with reload times as fast as 1.5 minutes for four missiles.
Operational Features
Kashtan CIWS is capable of fully automated combat operations, from target acquisition to engagement, handling up to five simultaneous targets per minute. Missiles cover a long-range envelope from 1,500 to 8,000 meters, while the guns engage surviving threats at closer ranges of 500 to 4,000 meters, ensuring continuous layered protection. The system’s high-speed guns can fire up to 10,000 rounds per minute using programmable HEFI, APDS, or tracer ammunition.
Kashtan-M & Palma Upgrades
The Kashtan-M introduces significant improvements over the original:
- Dedicated targeting station and salvo launch capability
- Upgraded guns (GSh-6-30KD) with extended range (up to 5 km)
- Enhanced missile range (up to 10 km) and engagement altitude (6 km)
- Faster reaction time (5–7 seconds) and modular sensor options (radar + optics)
- Reduced weight for easier integration on medium to large displacement ships
The Palma/Palash variant integrates the Sosna-R SAMs with 30mm AO-18KD six-barrel rapid-fire cannons, supported by 3R-99E firing modules and a multichannel electro-optical fire-control system. This version adds hypersonic laser-guided missiles, ECM-resistant targeting, and full automation, ensuring superior survivability in high-threat littoral environments.
Key Advantages
- Multi-layered defense against missiles, aircraft, and small boats
- Rapid automatic response from detection to engagement
- Salvo firing capability for critical targets
- High kill probability (0.96–0.99)
- Modular, all-weather, multi-band integrated control systems
Strategic Importance
The Kashtan/Palma CIWS provides essential protection for carrier ships, frigates, and other surface combatants, allowing navies to counter modern precision-guided threats effectively. Its integration of guns and missiles into a single system ensures survivability even in dense maritime combat zones, making it a cornerstone of modern naval self-defense strategy.
