Heavy naval guns regain value when missile magazines empty

Could navies return to heavy gunfire-support ships, or do missiles and 5-inch guns already cover the mission?

Heavy guns could return once navies confront how quickly missiles are expended; a 5-inch gun may be adequate, but an 8-inch system offers additional sustained-fire advantages.

Cancelling an 8-inch autoloading naval gun because a 5-inch weapon seemed adequate is described as short-sighted. Greater range and shell weight could still matter, especially once a navy confronts how quickly missiles may be consumed in a prolonged, high-intensity conflict. An individually capable precision weapon does not provide the same magazine depth as sustained gunfire support.