USVs, the Jeune École, and rapid-firing defences

Does the newest uncrewed-surface-vessel approach overturn traditional naval warfare?

USVs create useful threats, but the discussion points to established rapid-firing defences and warns against assuming that future lasers already solve every surface and aerial attack.

Enthusiasm for small uncrewed attack boats recalls the Jeune École's hope that torpedo craft could neutralize much larger warships. The historical response was to fit rapid-firing guns, while still earlier small-vessel proposals lost their advantage when large ships carried more explosive-shell guns themselves. Lasers could help against suitable aerial targets, but their development does not remove the immediate need to defend against boats. Rain and other atmospheric conditions can also reduce useful laser performance. One suggestion is to design mountings that can accept guns now and more capable lasers later, allowing present protection to coexist with a future upgrade.