The Future of Anti-Aircraft Guns: Retired or Reincarnated?
Antiaircraft (AA) guns are often debated and questioned for their obsolescence in modern warfare, especially in the context of drone usage. However, recent conflicts and advancements in technology have redefined their role and potential. Let's delve into the reasoning behind these weapons' ongoing relevance.
Why Anti-Aircraft Guns Aren't Obsolete
Despite the rise of missile systems, antiaircraft guns remain a viable defense against large-scale drone attacks. Against a drone swarm, these traditional weapons are amongst the best forms of defense. While missiles can be effective against aircraft, they lack a high enough rate of fire to handle massed drone attacks. Once they run out of missiles, or the drones manage to hit before they can all be neutralized, the risk is high. Just one drone successful through the defense can lead to losses of expensive, non-negotiable military assets to cheap and expendable drone threats.
The US military is learning from recent conflicts that drone warfare is a new reality. Antiaircraft systems designed to counter drones are likely to become more prevalent in the future. Thus, it’s crucial to understand their current and future roles in military strategies.
Modernizing Anti-Aircraft Guns: Radar Directed and Robotized Systems
Unlike the older, optical sight-based systems, modern antiaircraft guns are radar-directed and robotized. This advancement makes them highly effective against drones, robots, and helicopters engaged in close ground support missions. The radar-guided systems significantly enhance their accuracy and efficiency, making them a formidable opponent.
Advantages and Limitations of Antiaircraft Guns
The advantages of antiaircraft guns remain strong, particularly in terms of rate of fire, dual-use capabilities, and low ammunition cost. However, their limitations, especially range, are significant. Short-range AA guns, including those up to 40mm, have a limited effective range, generally around a few kilometers (e.g., Bofors L/70 with a range of up to 4,000 meters). Larger guns may have longer ranges but with lower rate of fire and reduced effectiveness against fast-moving aircraft.
As a result, modern militaries often turn to missiles for longer-range defense. However, missiles come with their own challenges. Even inexpensive surface-to-air missiles can cost tens of thousands, while high-performance ones can approach millions. For large-scale drone swarms, antiaircraft guns provide a more cost-effective solution. They are particularly useful against cheaper, more numerous targets that don’t warrant the use of an expensive missile.
Beyond Air Defense: Multi-Role Applications
In addition to air defense, antiaircraft guns have rediscovered a niche in ground-based fire support. They are highly effective against infantry and light vehicles with insufficient armor protection. While the cost of antiaircraft guns doesn't justify their use for manned air targets alone, the added capability of providing ground support makes them a valuable asset.
The primary AA guns used by the US military, like C-RAM (Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar), have evolved to address this dual-purpose need. They are now used to protect against a wide range of threats, from rockets and artillery to drones and mortars. These systems are an affordable and reliable solution for less expensive, more numerous targets that can't be justified with high-cost missiles.
Emerging Technologies and the Future of Antiaircraft Guns
As technology progresses, ground-based laser weapons may eventually replace or complement traditional antiaircraft guns. These laser systems, while still in early stages, offer the potential to neutralize threats with lower costs and faster response times. However, for the foreseeable future, many less developed militaries will continue to rely on guns for their cost-effectiveness and versatility.
While the landscape of military defense is continually evolving, antiaircraft guns remain a critical component of a well-rounded defense strategy. Their adaptability and cost-efficiency make them an indispensable tool in the modern military arsenal.