The US Navy's workhorse deck gun is evolving to intercept modern drone threats

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For decades, the 5-inch Mark 45 gun has been the standard artillery piece on American warships. While originally designed for surface combat and shore bombardment, this versatile system is now being adapted to counter one-way attack drones, proving that even legacy naval technology remains vital in contemporary maritime conflicts.

The Mark 45 gun system, developed in the 1960s to replace the aging Mark 42, is a lightweight naval artillery mount that has become a staple of the United States Navy. Designed by United Defense—later acquired by BAE Systems—the system features an automatic loader capable of firing 20 rounds without human intervention. For sustained operations, a six-person crew operates the gun from below deck to ensure a continuous supply of ammunition.

The platform has seen several iterations, including the Mod 4, which incorporates a longer 62-caliber barrel to improve propellant combustion and range. This version also features a flat-panel turret designed to reduce the ship's radar signature. Beyond traditional shells, the Navy has explored advanced munitions like the Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP). Originally intended for electromagnetic railguns, the HVP was tested on the Mark 45 to provide a lower-cost alternative to expensive missile interceptors, achieving speeds of approximately Mach 3.

The system's relevance has been underscored by recent events in the Red Sea, where U.S. destroyers have employed the Mark 45 to defend against drone attacks. Despite the emergence of newer technologies, the Mark 45 remains a critical component of naval defense. Efforts to modernize the gun, such as the 2014 request for information regarding guided projectiles, highlight a persistent focus on enhancing the weapon's utility against diverse threats, including fast attack craft and aerial targets, while balancing the high costs associated with modern missile defense systems.

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