NATO warships are rediscovering the value of old-school naval artillery as they defend against Houthi drone attacks in the Red Sea, proving that traditional firepower remains effective in modern warfare.
At a Glance
- NATO warships are using deck guns as a cost-effective alternative to missiles for shooting down Houthi drones
- The USS Carney engaged in 51 operations against Houthi drones and missiles, marking the most sustained naval combat action since World War II
- Naval guns like the Mark 45 provide rapid-fire capability with significant ammunition supplies at a fraction of missile costs
- US Navy destroyers are also employing non-kinetic methods including electronic warfare systems to defeat drones without depleting munitions
- The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) and other defensive systems provide layered protection against aerial threats
The Return of Naval Artillery in Modern Warfare
In a development that would make World War II naval commanders nod in approval, NATO warships deployed in the Red Sea are increasingly turning to their deck guns to counter the persistent drone threat posed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The French military recently released footage showing one of their frigates successfully using a 76mm naval autocannon to destroy an incoming Houthi drone, demonstrating the continued relevance of naval artillery in modern combat scenarios.
These engagements highlight a tactical shift as naval forces adapt to confront low-cost drone threats without depleting expensive missile inventories. The Mark 45 5-inch gun system equipped on American destroyers has proven particularly effective, capable of firing various high-explosive rounds with a range of up to 13 nautical miles, all at a fraction of the cost of surface-to-air missiles.
USS Carney: Front Line Against Houthi Threats
The USS Carney has emerged as a critical defender against Houthi aggression, engaging in an unprecedented 51 operations against drones and missiles in the Red Sea. On October 19, 2023, the destroyer became the first to intercept a coordinated Houthi missile and drone barrage launched from Yemen, marking what military officials describe as the most sustained and kinetic action for the U.S. Navy since World War II.
“We had never done anything like this before – we had only trained to it. There was a lot of adrenaline going on – this was real-world now,” said Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Charles Currie.
The crew’s performance earned them the Combat Action Ribbon, a distinction rarely awarded since the Gulf War. The Carney’s success demonstrates how the integration of traditional naval guns with advanced targeting systems provides an effective defense against modern threats, blending century-old artillery concepts with cutting-edge technology.
NATO warships have used their deck guns to shoot down Houthi drones over the Red Sea. The incidents show how these guns are still relevant and are a more cost-effective way to destroy cheap drones than using expensive missiles, retired Navy officers say.https://t.co/oiEi5hJeVk
— Jake Epstein (@byjepstein) April 29, 2025
Cost-Effective Defense Strategy
The economics of using deck guns versus missiles represents a significant tactical advantage for naval forces. While a single SM-2 missile costs approximately $2 million, a 5-inch artillery shell runs about $2,000 – a thousand-fold difference. This cost disparity becomes critical when facing enemies deploying numerous low-cost drones designed to deplete more expensive defensive systems.
“A gun provides an inexpensive counter,” explained Bradley Martin, a retired Navy captain.
Additionally, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers carry substantial ammunition reserves for their deck guns compared to their missile capacity. This deeper magazine allows for sustained operations without replenishment – a crucial capability during extended deployments in hostile waters where the Houthis have launched hundreds of drones since October 2023.
Beyond Kinetic Solutions: Electronic Warfare
Complementing the renewed emphasis on naval artillery, U.S. Navy destroyers including the USS Mason and USS Gravely have successfully employed non-kinetic methods to defeat Houthi drones. These electronic warfare systems, including the AN/SLQ-32 and Ship’s Signal Exploitation Equipment (SSEE), can detect and jam enemy transmissions, effectively confusing drone guidance systems without firing a single shots.
This approach has proven valuable in preventing damage to Navy and coalition vessels while preserving precious munitions. According to military documents, these non-kinetic engagements are “changing the way the Surface Navy fights wars at sea,” providing commanders with more options when confronting aerial threats.
“It’s a lot cheaper than a Standard Missile, and you can put a lot more of them out in a hurry,” said retired Rear Admiral Archer Macy about the use of deck guns.
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper perhaps best captured the sentiment among naval personnel when he observed that “there’s a lot of high-fives when you shoot something down with a gun, kind of World War II-style.” This statement reflects both the tactical success and psychological impact of countering modern threats with traditional naval artillery, proving that sometimes the old ways remain highly effective even in today’s technological battlespace.
