Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:10:59-2:12:01

An anti-swarm River-class concept

For defeating gunboat swarms, the proposed patrol ship favors several rapid-fire weapons, missiles, close-in defense, and uncrewed systems over multiple 76 mm guns.

Fast Attack CraftNaval WeaponsRiver Class Offshore Patrol VesselsUncrewed Systems
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Question

Would a River-class variant with several 76 mm guns be a viable anti-gunboat ship?

Short answer

The preferred outfit uses a 57 mm gun, two missile-equipped 30 mm mounts, close-in defense, and UAV or USV facilities; several 76 mm guns are more than the mission needs.

Notes

The proposed layered outfit combines a 57 mm gun, two 30 mm mounts with missiles, and a close-in weapon aft. A helicopter UAV hangar and facilities for small uncrewed surface craft would extend surveillance and engagement beyond the ship itself. Multiple responsive channels matter when numerous fast boats may approach from different directions. Several 76 mm guns would consume weight and space without matching this distributed anti-swarm concept as well. The 57 mm gun could also engage some light shore positions, though it is not presented as a heavy bombardment weapon.