High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Goalkeeper is a Dutch close-in weapon system (CIWS) introduced in 1979 and in use as of 2012, which primarily defends ships against incoming missiles and ballistic shells. This system consists of an autocannon and an advanced radar which in typically six seconds detects incoming fire, determines its trajectory, and aims and fires the gun. The system is fully automatic, needing no human input once activated. The name comes from the defensive position in Association Football and other sports. The system is made by Thales Navy Netherlands. The system can also be deployed to protect airfields.