Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:33:52-1:34:26

Modern ships may be underarmed for close defence

Confidence in missile systems can leave ships lightly protected at short range until combat exposes the weakness.

3-inch Guns40 mm Guns57 mm GunsClose In WeaponsWarship Design
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Question

Are modern warships repeating the interwar mistake of carrying too little close-in armament?

Short answer

Possibly; combat may expose overconfidence in current systems and drive a return to more numerous medium-calibre defensive guns.

Notes

Current confidence in theoretical defensive systems resembles interwar assumptions that also produced lightly protected ships. A serious conflict might reveal gaps and prompt navies to multiply short-range weapons quickly. The preferred balance point in this 2020 assessment is the 40 mm gun, though other fleets favored 57 mm and 76 mm systems. Close defence needs enough independent mounts and ammunition to survive imperfect real-world performance.