The Future of Swords in Battlefields

No, swords are unlikely to return in a significant way in future battlefields, especially as guns become obsolete. However, this might see some variability if an apocalyptic event severely disrupts the mass production and distribution of modern guns and ammunition. Even in such a scenario, swords wouldn't replace simpler home-made guns or improvised firearms. People have the capability to 3D print guns at home, which, though not ideal, still outperform swords in terms of effectiveness. A single shotgun shell at the end of a pole, functioning as a firing pin, is far more effective than a sword.

Modern Warfare vs. Past Warfare

Thankfully, modern warfare, while undoubtedly complex and often barbaric, is less catastrophic in terms of casualties compared to historical battles. For example, the Battle of Gettysburg alone resulted in 51,000 deaths, approximately twenty times the number of US losses in two decades of the Afghanistan war. Humanity, especially the more technologically advanced societies, are less inclined to revert to such devastating levels of casualties as seen in past conflicts. However, it's not beyond the realms of possibility for societies that cling to the Middle Ages to still embrace the traditions of swordsmanship or for Russia, a nation that prides itself on its historical military strength, to hold on to the legacy of swords in battle.

Engineering and Expertise

Swords, particularly blacksmithed blades, require a high level of specialized skill, which makes them less practical in a rapidly changing technological landscape. In contrast, guns and gunpowder are relatively straightforward engineering achievements compared to the techniques required for sword production. Additionally, spears have persisted in the modern era, often seen as an adjunct to traditional military gear, where soldiers carry knife and gun combinations that can be easily adapted into a spear.

Apocalyptic Scenarios

In hypothetical apocalyptic scenarios, such as a zombie apocalypse or a major disaster that wipes out most of humanity, the disruption to society would render modern weaponry obsolete. Factories would shut down, and experts would either perish or escape. Over several generations, the knowledge of manufacturing guns would become scarce, and the availability of ammunition would dwindle. This situation could potentially lead to a resurgence of swords, as someone might stumble upon ancient weapons and relearn the lost art of swordsmithing. However, this is more of a speculative scenario and less likely in a world that has advanced to the point where sophisticated weapons are mass-produced and maintained.

Overall, while swords may have a place in historical reenactments or niche areas, they are unlikely to see widespread use in future battlefields. The shift towards more advanced and accessible weaponry such as 3D-printed guns and improvised firearms will likely continue to dominate the landscape of modern warfare.