Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:28:05-3:28:18

A deck gun compromises a modern submarine's main defence

Using a cheap shell against a minor target is poor economy if firing it exposes an expensive submarine.

Naval GunnerySubmarine Deck GunsSubmarine DesignSubmarine StealthSubmarine Warfare
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Question

Should modern submarines revive the deck gun to sink low-value targets cheaply?

Short answer

No. Surfacing to use the gun sacrifices stealth and risks a submarine worth far more than the target or ammunition saved.

Notes

A modern submarine should remain submerged whenever possible. Fitting a deck gun creates a reason to surface and exposes the boat while it engages a low-value target. Any savings in ammunition are outweighed by the loss of stealth and the risk to a far more valuable submarine. The short answer therefore rejects reviving the gun as an economical finishing weapon.