How has naval warfare changed since 1945?

Answer 1

Guns were the primary naval weapon prior to 1945. During World War 2, the focus shifted and aircraft became the primary offensive weapon of the world's navies. Guns remained with the navy as defensive weapons and for naval gunfire support, supplemented by guided missiles until the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.

The Vietnam War (1955-1975) was the last time the US Navy extensively used guns on the gunline; predominantly in support of ground troops, from 5" to the 16" guns of the battleship USS New Jersey. The US Navy continues to use the guns of the ships in a supporting role.

Missiles have become more and more the weapon of choice in the world's navies. Cruise missiles are used against both land and sea targets, anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems provide protection and anti-submarine rockets launch torpedoes long distances to search for undersea targets. Aircraft carriers still serve as the core of most battle groups, providing cover support and extremely flexible projection of power.

Most naval powers also have extensive capability to land large quantities of ground troops quickly and efficiently through the use of amphibious invasion craft, both for water and airborne insertions.

The Iowa Class battleship USS New Jersey is the only US battleship to have fought in the Vietnam War and is the world's last battleship to have fought a war as a traditionally gunned battleship (no cruise missiles).