Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:31:32-1:34:30

What the Replicators suggest about near-term drone defence

Existing electronic warfare and naval guns could help against small drones while laser systems mature.

3-inch Guns20 mm Cannon40 mm Guns57 mm GunsCounter Drone DefenceDirected Energy WeaponsElectronic WarfareFiction Stargate AsgardReplicators (Stargate)Naval GunsRIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile
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Question

Does the Asgard's difficulty with the Replicators show the value of simpler defenses?

Short answer

Existing electronic warfare and naval guns could help against small drones while laser systems mature.

Notes

The Asgard's difficulty with the Replicators prompts a comparison with defending ships against small drones. Electronic warfare and existing naval guns are proposed as immediate options, with 20 mm, 40 mm, 57 mm, and 76 mm weapons offering choices according to engagement range. Guns can be ordered from running production lines while lasers still face development and deployment delays. Thermal blooming and salt on laser optics add environmental difficulties. The recommendation is to fit available guns now and add lasers when they become practical. Replacing guns with Rolling Airframe Missiles raises a separate concern about how to deal with a mass of small drones.