The 974 Close-In Weapon System is an autonomous and completely automatic weapon system for short-range defense of ships against highly maneuverable missiles, aircraft and fast-maneuvering surface vessels. Once activated the system automatically undertakes the entire air defense process from surveillance and detection to destruction, including the selection of the next priority target. It is equipped with a GAU Avenger 30 mm 7-barrel hydraulic gatling gun, a psionic search radar capable of detecting and handling 27 targets simultaneously, and a dual-band tracking radar for fire control.

It is in use by the Vigilance most frequently, however certain Aesoteric warbands have been purported to use the weapon. Its hydraulic gatling gun is capable of firing both standard, incendiary, and armor-piercing rounds.