The Falklands restored the case for naval guns

Before the war, missiles had displaced some Royal Navy guns, leaving HMS Phoebe with only machine guns for a possible land engagement. Guns remain cost-effective for shore support and defense against small drones even as lasers such as DragonFire enter service. Lasers may force attackers to add shielding, size, and cost to drones, though weather and other operating limits still matter. At San Carlos, radar-directed Bofors guns or octuple Pom-Poms could have filled known approach lanes with visible fire. That volume might have threatened low-flying aircraft while disrupting pilots’ confidence and attack runs.