Resurrecting Battleships: Why the US Navy is Bringing Back the ‘Big Guns’

💥The inherent limitations of ballistic artillery, coupled with the perfection of anti-ship missiles, made battleships obsolete.

🎯Even with modernization upgrades, battleships struggled with accuracy, while missiles offer extreme precision.

🔥Battleships possess unmatched firepower, with their big guns packing more explosive power than most anti-ship missiles.

💰Using battleships could be cost-effective, as their shells are cheaper than guided missiles or aircraft munitions.

📡Battleships are less vulnerable to hacking and electromagnetic warfare, which can disrupt the kill chain of smart weapons.

Why were battleships deemed obsolete?

—Battleships became obsolete due to the limitations of ballistic artillery and the perfection of anti-ship missiles.

Why are battleships considered cost-effective?

—Battleships can carry a significant amount of ammunition compared to missiles and aircraft, and their shells are cheaper.

What advantages do battleships have over modern weapons?

—Battleships provide unmatched firepower, with their big guns packing more explosive power than most anti-ship missiles. They are also less vulnerable to hacking and electromagnetic warfare.

Are there any ongoing programs to develop extended range guided munitions for battleships?

—Previous programs for extended range guided munitions for battleships were canceled. However, the Zumwalt destroyer had a successful advanced gun system.

Why are battleships being considered for providing fire support in contested amphibious operations?

—Battleships' big guns can deliver a significant volume of fire, which is difficult to replicate with other weapons. They offer a cost-effective solution for prolonged conflicts and have inherent advantages over modern weapons systems.

00:00Battleships were once powerful warships but became obsolete with the advent of the aircraft carrier and the perfection of anti-ship missiles.

07:59The US Navy realized the need for big guns due to the evolving technological capabilities of adversaries like China.

10:27Battleships' big guns provide unmatched firepower and are less vulnerable to hacking and electromagnetic warfare.