Chinese Naval Researchers Propose Large Artillery Concept for Drone Defense

Naval researchers in China have put forward design concepts advocating for the inclusion of heavy naval artillery on future warship designs. The proposed armament strategy is primarily intended to provide an effective defensive response against emerging threats posed by unmanned aerial and maritime drone swarms.

According to the concept, the proposed warship configuration would feature a main battery consisting of nine large naval guns. These traditional kinetic weapon systems are envisioned to operate in tandem with modernized combat suites designed for saturation defense.

In addition to the extensive gun battery, the warship design incorporates a high volume of missiles to maintain long-range offensive and defensive capabilities. The blueprint also integrates advanced electromagnetic weaponry, establishing a multi-layered combat system intended to counter diverse maritime threats.

The research underscores ongoing shifts in naval architectural theories, where analysts explore blending high-capacity conventional firepower with advanced directed-energy and electromagnetic systems to mitigate the operational challenges of countering low-cost massed drone tactics.