As of block 1B, they can absolutely blast surface craft.
The current Phalanx variant (Block 1B) adds the ability to counter asymmetric warfare threats through the addition of an integrated, stabilized, Electro Optic sensor. These improvements give Phalanx the added ability to counter small high speed surface craft, aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
That’s a phalanx gun. Unless the pirate are flying a plane, they’re not getting shot by it.
Not with that attitude.
As of block 1B, they can absolutely blast surface craft.
https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2167831/mk-15-phalanx-close-in-weapon-system-ciws/
It can shoot boats.
https://youtube.com/shorts/m_5cjImImOo
god you really can’t feel the scale of these things from just the picture. that is insane. also BA NANA
TIL thx