NATO warships in the Red Sea are turning back the clock—and rewriting the playbook—as they fend off Houthi drone swarms with old-school deck guns and cutting-edge electronic warfare.
At a Glance
- NATO warships use deck guns to shoot down Houthi drones
- USS Carney intercepts missiles and drones in historic engagement
- Mk 45 naval guns offer cost-effective defense against aerial threats
- U.S. Navy employs non-kinetic methods to neutralize drones
Guns Over Missiles: A Tactical Shift
In a surprising twist of modern naval warfare, NATO warships are increasingly relying on traditional deck guns to counter the persistent threat of Houthi drones in the Red Sea. These autocannons, including the U.S. Navy’s Mk 45 5-inch gun, have proven effective in intercepting and destroying drones, offering a cost-effective alternative to expensive surface-to-air missiles like the $2 million SM-2, according to The War Zone.
The Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun, for instance, boasts a range of over 20 nautical miles and a firing rate of up to 20 rounds per minute, making it a formidable tool against aerial threats. As reported by Business Insider, naval officials emphasize the value of being able to “put a lot more [rounds] out in a hurry” compared to missiles.
Watch The War Zone’s report on the incident at USS Carney’s Red Sea Operations Highlight 5-inch Deck Gun’s Anti-Air Capability.
USS Carney’s Historic Engagement
On October 19, 2023, the USS Carney (DDG 64) was involved in one of the most intense combat engagements by a U.S. Navy warship since World War II. The destroyer intercepted three land-attack cruise missiles and multiple drones launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen, according to The Drive.
Crew members described the urgency of the situation, noting the transition from training to real-world combat. One sailor told The War Zone, “There was a lot of adrenaline going on—this was real-world now.”
Cost and Strategy in Modern Naval Combat
The choice to engage drones with naval guns reflects a broader strategic shift. According to Business Insider, experts like Bradley Martin argue that “a gun provides an inexpensive counter,” reinforcing the practicality of traditional weaponry in the age of drone warfare.
Missile defense systems like the SM-2 or the SeaRAM are highly effective but financially unsustainable for extended operations. In contrast, the 5-inch deck guns, already aboard most U.S. destroyers, offer commanders a viable and budget-conscious response to drone saturation tactics.
Embracing Non-Kinetic Defense
Naval forces aren’t just firing back—they’re jamming enemy transmissions and disrupting drone guidance systems. As Business Insider reported, recent operations in the Red Sea have demonstrated how U.S. warships can defeat drones without firing a shot, using advanced electronic warfare systems that are reshaping naval defense strategies.
These systems, part of a growing suite of non-kinetic tools, add an invisible layer of protection. Their successful use marks a turning point in maritime security operations, where adaptability is as critical as firepower.
Tactical Resilience in the Red Sea
The revival of deck guns as a frontline defense is reshaping naval strategy. As reported by The War Zone, these weapons are valued for their affordability, speed, accuracy, and the psychological impact they have—akin to a “World War II-style” satisfaction from hitting a target.
With rising tensions in the Red Sea and the evolution of drone warfare, NATO forces demonstrate that combining traditional firepower with modern technology provides the agility needed to tackle 21st-century challenges, emphasizing the importance of making every shot count.
