Comparing Naval Capability and Estimating the Cost Impact

Abstract

This chapter describes the major factors to consider when evaluating naval power from the point of view of military hardware. This encompasses not only naval weapon systems and vessel types, but also their strategic functions, life-cycle issues, and cost influences. Although these interrelated factors have a strong impact on the actual naval capability level of all countries, they are not sufficiently taken into consideration as the material basis that defines the upper limit of what is achievable through naval strategy. Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, the performance of a navy relies upon all the contributing factors of naval power. While state ideology and geostrategic orientation may shape a country’s world outlook and determine the range of possible actions perceived by its leaders, it is the available technology that largely defines what is practicable. Therefore, this part of the study will attempt to demonstrate how different types of naval weapon systems can be systematically evaluated from the point of view of their strategic value when put to use.