Cheaper solution: long-endurance Predator-type UAVs that can be launched from a base ship (not a super-carrier), patrol long stretches of water, and engage pirates with rocket and machinegun fire
I’ve thought the same thing. The manufacturer of the Predator designed a naval version (called the Mariner) to compete for the Navy’s BAMS program a couple of years ago. A carrier version was designed, with features such as arrestor gear, foldable wings and reinforced landing gear.Put this model into production, perhaps they could be operated from our Tarawa-class fleet (presently being decommissioned). Equip them with a navalized version of the Hellfire, or some other suitable naval munition, and turn them loose to patrol 24/7/365. When pirate activity is spotted, then it’s weapons free time. Fast, lethal response at a lower cost and no US lives at risk.
Cheaper solution: long-endurance Predator-type UAVs that can be launched from a base ship (not a super-carrier), patrol long stretches of water, and engage pirates with rocket and machinegun fire
I think along the same lines. It would be good also to consider using a radar aircraft (piloted or not) to keep all boats/ships in the area under surveilance. That way when a pirate boat approached a cargo ship you would know where it came from - and could sink the mother ship as well as the actual attack boat.For defensive purposes, a Marine on board a freighter with a .50 cal Barrett rifle with some explosive rounds would be able to give any attack boat something to think about besides ransom money. Would they need to board the freighter at sea to get around firearm restrictions at ports of call?