Navy installs Mk 38 Mod 4 piggy-backed point defense
By The BriefBrief
The Mk 38 Mod 4 point defense system, described as “piggy-backed,” combines a 30mm gun with a .50 caliber machine gun for close-in defense, with an emphasis on countering drones. The system has been installed on at least one U.S. destroyer, marking a capability upgrade for shipboard air-defense.
WHO:U.S. Navy
WHAT:Installed the Mk 38 Mod 4 “piggy-backed” point defense system combining 30mm and .50 caliber guns on a destroyer
WHEN:Reported Sep 10, 2026 at 12:12 PM ET
WHERE:USA
WHY:To provide a capability boost for shipboard point defense, especially against drones.
Reporting from 1 identified publisher for this event.
