Next-Gen US Navy Arsenal: Smart Ammo that Tracks and Destroys Evading Targets

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Smart weapons, like GPS-guided munitions and cruise missiles, are growing in sophistication and importance in modern warfare. Laser-guided munitions and autonomous AI-enhanced weapons are also part of this trend.

Today, major navies emphasize precision over sheer firepower

Instead of massive barrages, the goal is to shoot a single, strategically placed round with minimal explosives for maximum impact, depending on the objective.

In line with this one-shot-one-kill strategy, the U.S. Navy has granted Northrop Grumman Corporation a development contract for their new 57mm guided high explosive ammunition. This ammo is meant for the Mk110 naval gun mount medium-sized gun used on Littoral combat ships. Northrop Grumman will test and refine it to meet qualification standards.

Precision-Guided Artillery Shell: Adjusts Trajectory After Firing

The 57mm guided high explosive ammo can track and adjust its course while heading to a target. It’s made for countering fast-moving threats like drones and swarms, with a seeker to find moving targets and a fuze that can choose between proximity or point-detonation modes for effective engagement.

The ammunition round is capable of being fired at increased distances while effectively engaging and destroying a target, even if it attempts to evade multiple times. Notably, this new shell accomplishes this without requiring any alterations to the existing deck gun.

Ashton Henning