Silence the Naval Guns. The Future is Calling Again
Abstract
The trend for maritime defense procurement is increasing complexity and cost, leading to fewer complex warships available to satisfy operational demands against increasing asymmetric threats. Maritime force designs are particularly exposed, and fleet capacities struggle against increasing operational demands for the persistent strategic value warships/submarines uniquely provide in dangerous or difficult-to-access locations. The need to innovate and find ways to reverse the effect of this trend or unlock greater combat mass from smaller fleets is greater than ever. Traditional assumptions of warship capabilities, particularly Destroyers and Anti-Submarine classes, need review with a system of systems approach. As new capabilities and threats emerge from war or technological revolution, opportunities must be exploited and integrated into the fleet faster than our adversaries to retain or gain competitive advantages. Today, non-aircraft carrier-style warships produced worldwide have Naval Guns fitted, competing against a broadening proliferation of anti-ship missiles and uncrewed air systems (UAS) or drones. The gun has held on to its prominent position on the forecastle (foc'sle) because of a belief in its contribution to Joint Fires, at the cost of alternatives with greater range and operational utility through modular payloads evolving with the fourth industrial revolution. Western maritime forces must divest traditional capabilities to repurpose space and resources for capabilities with better operational value. UASs should not replace or compete with crewed air systems but complement them, and their introduction should not be isolated to aircraft carriers or delayed for future platforms. It is possible to unlock a new source of air power and disperse the center of gravity inherent to carrier-centric fleet designs. This evolution could be achieved using existing infrastructure, resources, and people in today's warships.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1227857
Entities
People
- Steven Lovatt
Organizations
- National Defense University