The coastal artillery is a unit in the Armed Forces responsible for operating mobile anti-ship artillery or fixed gun batteries in coastal buildings. It appeared in Europe during the 16th century, almost at the same time as cannons were invented. During this period, colonisation was taking place, so it was extremely important to build a naval fortress to protect the new territory. In the United Kingdom, coastal artillery was under the responsibility of the Royal Garrison Artillery. After the Second World War, the jet aircraft and guided misisles were invented, which meant that there was less need for coastal artillery.