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Naval forces seek to gain a competitive edge over adversaries by arming their submarines, surface combatant ships, aircraft and helicopters with advanced weapon systems featuring better distance accuracy on fast-moving targets.

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Deploying sophisticated and efficient naval weaponry plays a crucial role in projecting a country’s sea power and enhancing its capability to detect, control and engage newer threats in the modern maritime battlespace.

Seaborne aircraft and helicopters are being increasingly deployed for improved naval combat capabilities, increased power projection and extended surveillance reach in the vast ocean environment.

Finding the best naval weapons manufacturers

Naval Technology has listed some of the leading naval weapons suppliers based on its intel, insights and decades-long experience in the sector.

The list includes contractors and suppliers of a wide range of above-water and underwater weapon systems, equipment and services. It also includes suppliers of naval target detection and lock-on systems, weapon control modules, weapon alignment and tracking systems, and naval weapon installation, modernisation, maintenance, and testing service providers.

The information contained within the download document is useful for naval warfare strategists, mission commanders, senior procurement executives, naval defence planners, system integrators, maintenance supervisors, and any other individual involved in the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of weaponry and ammunition.

The download contains detailed information on naval weapon companies and their product and service lines, alongside contact details to aid your purchasing or hiring decision.

Related Buyer’s Guides which cover an extensive range of naval equipment manufacturers, service providers, and technology can also be found here.

Types and uses of naval weapons

Naval forces use long-range, medium-range, short-range and close-in weapons to counter submarine and surface threats in oceanic and coastal waters.

The different types of weapon systems used by navies include, but are not limited to:

· Fast-firing naval guns and automatic cannons

· Electromagnetic railguns

· Light and heavy-weight torpedoes

· Anti-ship missiles

· Land-attack cruise missiles

· Submarine-launched ballistic missiles

· Naval mines, and

· Vertical launch anti-submarine rockets

Advancements in naval weapons technology

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics could have a transformative impact on naval warfare and defence by enhancing the precision and lethality of weapons, while enabling the autonomous striking capability of unmanned combat systems.

Meanwhile, high-energy laser weapon systems are being developed for surface ships to counter unmanned aerial threats and fast attack boats. Laser weapons also have the potential to counter anti-ship cruise missiles.

Similarly, the long-range hypervelocity projectile (HVP) technology, which is currently under development, could provide cost-effective solutions to combat ballistic missile threats.

For full details (including contact details) on the leading companies within this space, download the free Buyer’s Guide below:

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the main types of naval weapons used today?

    Modern naval weapons include anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, naval mines, and fast-firing naval guns. Additionally, emerging technologies such as electromagnetic railguns and high-energy laser weapons are being integrated into naval fleets to counter aerial and missile threats more effectively.

  • How do submarines use naval weapons?

    Submarines deploy a range of naval weapons, including torpedoes, cruise missiles, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). These weapons allow submarines to engage both surface and underwater targets, providing critical strategic and tactical capabilities.

  • What role does artificial intelligence play in naval weapons?

    AI enhances naval weapons by improving targeting accuracy, automating threat detection, and enabling autonomous operations in unmanned systems. AI integration in weapon systems increases response speed and decision-making capabilities, making navies more adaptive in complex combat scenarios.

  • What are electromagnetic railguns and how are they used?

    Electromagnetic railguns use electricity to launch projectiles at extremely high speeds, providing long-range strike capability without the need for explosives. These weapons are currently in development and have the potential to revolutionise naval warfare by offering cost-effective and rapid-fire solutions.

  • How do naval forces defend against missile threats?

    Naval forces employ a layered defence approach against missile threats, using a combination of radar-guided missiles, close-in weapon systems (CIWS), and high-energy lasers. These systems are designed to detect, track, and destroy incoming missiles before they can reach their targets.