Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 9:10:42-9:11:35

Why Cold War JMSDF destroyers retained two forward guns

Amphibious fire support and expected visual-range encounters help explain the retention of two forward guns.

Amphibious WarfareDestroyersFire SupportGrey Zone OperationsJapan Maritime Self-Defense ForceNaval Gunnery
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Question

Why did some Cold War JMSDF destroyers retain a superfiring pair of main guns?

Short answer

The guns supported amphibious operations and suited the visual ranges expected in grey-zone encounters.

Notes

Some Japanese helicopter destroyers retained two forward guns for roles that included amphibious fire support. Their helicopter capacity and gun armament belonged to the same set of operational requirements. Guns also suited the visual ranges expected in grey-zone encounters, where the Japanese anticipated using them more often than missiles.