Navy Sought Industry Feedback on Gun Weapon Systems
The service is planning a hybrid contract to manage future procurement for ship-mounted 5-inch gun systems.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Military
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The U.S. Navy has issued a request for information to gather industry feedback on a planned hybrid contract for Gun Weapon Systems. The initiative aims to support the acquisition strategy for weapon systems that provide cost-effective alternatives to surface-to-air missiles.
Why it matters
The Navy is looking to refine its acquisition strategy for ship-based guns, which have proven effective at intercepting small drones. Utilizing these guns offers a cheaper tactical alternative to standard surface-to-air missiles during maritime operations.
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division issued the request on Oct. 9, 2026, seeking comments on a structure combining firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee terms. The 5-inch Mk 45 gun is capable of firing 16 to 20 rounds per minute.
The players
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division
This organization is a major research and engineering center for the U.S. Navy located in Dahlgren, Virginia.
USS Stockdale
This Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is a U.S. Navy vessel that has participated in combat operations against Houthi forces in the Red Sea.
The details
The Navy intends to utilize the hybrid contract model to effectively manage well-defined manufacturing tasks alongside uncertain engineering requirements. Recent operational experience in the Red Sea, where the destroyer USS Stockdale used its gun to destroy a Houthi drone, highlighted the strategic value of these systems.
Timeline
Oct. 9, 2026: The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division posted the request for information.
Oct. 29, 2026: The deadline for vendors to submit responses to the Navy.
Political Context
The Navy's use of hybrid contracts follows a pattern set by the Pentagon's Better Buying Power initiative regarding acquisition efficiency. Critics of such contract structures often argue that cost-plus-fixed-fee arrangements can lead to budget overruns if not managed with strict oversight.
This procurement process impacts taxpayers by determining how federal defense funds are allocated for naval hardware. It ensures the military maintains the capability to defend ships against low-cost drone threats without depleting expensive missile inventories.
The takeaway
Ship-mounted guns represent a critical, cost-saving evolution in modern maritime self-defense against drone swarms. By optimizing procurement contracts, the military aims to sustain these essential capabilities while managing engineering costs.
What happens next
Vendor responses to the request for information are due by Oct. 29, 2026.
Further reading
For more background on defense acquisition and naval programs, visit the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Defence Blog.
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Should the military prioritize cheaper gun-based systems over expensive missiles to intercept small drones?
