Techniques US Navy and Ally Ships Use to Fight Back Enemy Helicopters at Sea.

The US Navy and allied navies employ various techniques and systems to counter enemy helicopters at sea. These measures are crucial for protecting naval assets, including ships and personnel, from aerial threats. Some of the common techniques and systems include:

1. Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs): Navies often equip their ships with surface-to-air missile systems such as the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) or Standard Missile (SM) family to engage and destroy enemy helicopters at medium to long ranges.
2. Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS): CIWS, such as the Phalanx and Goalkeeper systems, provide close-range defense against incoming threats, including helicopters. These rapid-fire guns are designed to engage and destroy targets with high rates of fire.
3. Anti-Aircraft Guns: Many naval vessels are equipped with anti-aircraft guns, such as the Mk 45 or Mk 38, for engaging helicopters and other airborne threats at shorter ranges. These guns provide a point defense capability and can be effective in certain scenarios.
4. Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems: EW systems onboard ships can disrupt or jam the radar and communication systems of enemy helicopters, reducing their effectiveness and ability to target naval assets.
5. Decoy Systems: Ships may deploy decoy systems like chaff or flares to confuse and divert incoming missiles or enemy helicopters away from their intended targets.
6. Helicopter Interception: Naval helicopters, equipped with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities or air-to-air missiles, can intercept and engage enemy helicopters that pose a threat to the naval task force.
7. Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD): Modern naval vessels employ sophisticated IAMD systems that integrate radar, sensors, and weapons to detect, track, and engage multiple threats simultaneously, including helicopters.
8. Collaborative Engagement: Allied naval forces often coordinate their efforts in countering aerial threats, utilizing joint tactics, techniques, and procedures to maximize effectiveness and protect the task force.
9. Training and Readiness: Regular training exercises and drills ensure that naval crews are proficient in employing defensive measures against enemy helicopters, enhancing their readiness to respond effectively in real-world situations.
10. Operational Planning: Prioritizing situational awareness and employing effective operational planning help naval commanders anticipate and mitigate potential threats posed by enemy helicopters, ensuring the safety and security of their forces at sea.