Naval Warfare Research Articles

Unmanned surface vehicles for naval warfare and maritime security

There is a growing need to implement maritime defensive systems, covering both medium-range and close-in defenses. This is in response to the escalating threat posed by unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in a rapidly changing environment. As unmanned technologies become more widespread and advanced, the proactive deployment of these defensive measures is becoming imperative. This strategic approach aims to reduce risks, protect vital assets, and bolster the Navy’s flexibility in adapting to the evolving dynamics of contemporary naval warfare. This initiative aligns with broader goals of upholding maritime security and contributing to regional stability amid rapidly shifting conditions in warfare. This perspective covers the relevant aspects of USV development, and the countermeasures being considered.

The law of perfidy and ruses of war at sea

Abstract The principle of distinction is a fundamental principle in the law of armed conflict, aimed at protecting civilians and civilian objects from direct attacks. Adherence to this principle is crucial for minimizing the humanitarian impact of warfare. Nevertheless, the longstanding practice of ruses of war, deeply embedded in customary international law, complicates the application of this principle in combat. While certain deceptive tactics are allowed, the line between acceptable ruses and forbidden acts of perfidy is often unclear, especially in naval warfare. The evolution of modern warfare technology further obscures these distinctions, raising important legal questions regarding their relevance today. This article critically examines the existing legal framework governing ruses and perfidy at sea and explores how these rules apply to contemporary naval operations. Finally, the article identifies key legal gaps and proposes pathways for reform to better align the law with current realities.

Armed attacks against merchant vessels: ‘Looking behind the Flag’ to find the victim State

Abstract This article argues that a non-flag State can be considered the victim of an armed attack against one or more merchant vessels and thus entitled to the right of self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. This argument gains momentum in light of the recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea against ships with diverse nationalities. Traditionally, attacks on merchant vessels have been considered attacks on the flag State due to the latter’s economic interests in the vessels. However, given the prevalence of open ship registries, today over 70 per cent of world tonnage is registered under foreign flags. Consequently, the jus ad bellum concerning armed attacks against merchant vessels necessitates a reassessment. The first section of this article revisits the traditional understanding that only the flag State can be considered the victim of an armed attack on merchant vessels. Hinting at the popularization of open registries, this article then clarifies how the laws of the sea and naval warfare have dealt with this phenomenon. It is remarked that ‘looking behind the flag’, especially in naval warfare, has become inevitable. This realization is then transposed to the jus ad bellum. In doing so, this article examines key references concerning armed attacks against merchant vessel: the Oil Platforms judgment by the International Court of Justice and the 1974 Definition of Aggression. This article also engages with directly relevant State practice. Ultimately, this article demonstrates that these references support the need for the reassessment advanced here.

Audio surveillance, communication technologies and the submarine threat during the First World War

Abstract This paper is a summary of a talk, “Hydrophones and piezoelectricity: Ernest Rutherford and anti-submarine innovations in the Royal Navy during World War I”, presented at the HAPP Physics and the Great War one-day conference in 2015, which in turn was based on research for a journal article co-authored with Paul Coleman published in History and Technology journal in 2016 as “Listening in the dark: audio surveillance, communication technologies, and the submarine threat during the First World War” [1]. This paper explores the pivotal role of acoustic surveillance, communication technologies including wireless telegraphy and the development of the hydrophone and other naval technologies as a response to the German U-boat submarine threat during the First World War. The First World War was the first truly global industrial conflict with all belligerents having access to new and adapted technologies including aircraft, sophisticated artillery, wireless telegraphy and submarines. The conflict marked a significant shift in naval warfare with the widespread use of submarines or U-boats by the German military. “Listening in the dark” highlights the challenges faced by the Allied Forces in countering the U-boat threat, emphasising the need for innovative organisational changes and the development of cutting-edge technologies through combined civilian-military research, particularly in the realm of electro-acoustic listening and wireless communication. By the War’s conclusion naval warfare had ultimately transformed to prioritise enhanced listening capabilities over traditional visual methods.

Advancements in seawater immersion wound management: Current treatments and innovations.

With advancements in naval warfare, the number and severity of seawater injuries have skyrocketed, necessitating effective seawater immersion (SWI) wound management. The unique marine pathogens, salinity, low temperature and alkalinity of seawater are the main environmental factors that can influence SWI wound healing. The current treatment strategy for SWI wounds follows a standard protocol based on terrestrial wound conditions, neglecting seawater conditions. The key requirements for ideal SWI treatment include good adhesion to the wound surface to minimize further exposure to seawater, enhanced wound healing properties to minimize wound healing time and antibacterial properties to prevent infections from marine pathogens. Current SWI wound-specific treatments range from elaborate techniques like vacuum-sealed drainage and vacuum-assisted closure for severe blast injuries to simple application of hydrogels or collagen dressings for minor injuries. This review discusses the current status and development of various treatment modalities for SWI wounds. The development of these treatment strategies and an understanding of their mechanisms of action make us better prepared to manage and treat SWI injuries.

The balance of sea power in the early modern era: The Anglo-Dutch Wars (1652–1674)

The balance of power is among the foundational principles in international relations. This principle, however, has been analysed mostly in relation to land powers on the European continent, while the historiography has failed to appropriately recognize its naval aspect so far. This article compares the English and Dutch sea powers or fleets during the three Anglo-Dutch Wars (1652–1674). Warships or ships of the line were the main instruments of naval warfare, and hence key to any measurements of sea power. Detailed tables of the fleets with the number of warships and guns for the major engagements show the balance of sea power at the time. Attaining and maintaining the balance of (sea) power in the early modern era was not just an abstract idea, but also an interactive process, based on numerical analysis. The author argues that there was a real or naval balance of sea power between the fleets or alliances of fleets; that the balance of sea power was acknowledged in the international alliance treaties; and that the balance of sea power became an element of early modern political discourse.

Target threat assessment model based on PCA-BP neural network

Abstract In this paper, the air threat received in modern naval warfare is taken as the background, and based on the threat assessment index, PCA and BP neural networks are used to establish a target threat assessment model. Through simulation and analysis, the threat values of different incoming targets are derived, and the data results of this model and other models are compared. It is concluded that the results of this model are basically consistent with the original values, and the error is significantly smaller than that of the other models, which realizes the real-time dynamic detection of threatening targets, and provides a strong support for the subsequent combat program.

Military Effectiveness and Naval Warfare

Military effectiveness created a growth in political science literature. However, this work focused overwhelmingly on continental warfare. China’s rise highlights naval warfare. Do the central findings of the literature hold for war at sea? We explore this question by comparing naval and land combat patterns via a new dataset on interstate surface naval battles fought between 1649 and 1988. We find essential differences deriving from the contrasting nature of the sea and land as military environments, which have made naval outcomes more sensitive to materiel, quicker, and more one-sided. There are, however, also important similarities involving material–nonmaterial interactions. These features pose important implications for policy on future anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) warfare in East Asia, the balance of investment in skill and materiel in naval resource allocation, and research on military effectiveness.

WDFA-YOLOX: A Wavelet-Driven and Feature-Enhanced Attention YOLOX Network for Ship Detection in SAR Images

Ships are important targets for modern naval warfare detection and reconnaissance. The accurate detection of ships contributes to the maintenance of maritime rights and interests and the realisation of naval strategy. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image detection tasks play a vital role in ship detection, which has consistently been a research hotspot in the field of SAR processing. Although significant progress has been achieved in SAR ship detection techniques using deep learning methods, some challenges still persist. Natural images and SAR images significantly diverge in imaging mechanisms and scattering characteristics. In complex background environments, ships exhibit multiscale variations and dense arrangements, and numerous small-sized ships may be present, culminating in false or missed detections. To address these issues, we propose a novel SAR ship detection network, namely, a Wavelet-Driven Feature-Enhanced Attention–You Only Look Once X (WDFA-YOLOX) network. Firstly, we propose a Wavelet Cascade Residual (WCR) module based on the traditional image processing technique wavelet transform, which is embedded within an improved Spatial Pyramid Pooling (SPP) module, culminating in the formation of the effective wavelet transform-based SPP module (WSPP). The WSPP compensates for the loss of fine-grained feature information during pooling, enhancing the capability of the network to detect ships amidst complex background interference. Secondly, a Global and Local Feature Attention Enhancement (GLFAE) module is proposed, leveraging a parallel structure that combines convolutional modules with transformer modules to reduce the effect of irrelevant information and effectively strengthens valid features associated with small-sized ships, resulting in a reduction in false negatives in small-sized ship detection. Finally, a novel loss function, the Chebyshev distance-generalised IoU loss function, is proposed to significantly enhance both the precision of the detection box and the network convergence speed. To support our approach, we performed thorough experiments on the SSDD and HRSID, achieving an average precision (AP) of 99.11% and 96.20%, respectively, in ship detection. The experimental results demonstrate that WDFA-YOLOX has significant advantages in terms of detection accuracy, generalisation capability, and detection speed and can effectively realise more accurate detection in SAR images, consistently exhibiting superior performance and application value in SAR ship detection.

The 1941 Merano Conference: Building a Relationship Through Military Diplomacy

ABSTRACT On 13 and 14 February 1941, a German and Italian maritime strategy conference, led by Großadmiral Erich Raeder, C-in-C of the Kriegsmarine (German Navy), and Admiral Arturo Riccardi, his equivalent in the Regia Marina (Italian Navy), occurred in Merano in order to coordinate the ongoing conduct of naval warfare. The Germans wanted more say in the conduct of the Mediterranean war. The Italians came with a shopping list, which included anti-aircraft guns, oil, raw materials, and technology. Some historians claim that the Italians were reluctant to hold a conference as they feared the Germans would intrude into their theatre of operations, but that after the Battle of Taranto they could no longer resist German pressure. However, an analysis of German and Italian documents shows otherwise. It also reveals that the true significance of Merano lies in the fact that the two navies finally began to draw together with a common understanding of who would do what in coming years, both together and individually. With the two admirals acting as senior diplomats, conveying their countries’ friendship and sense of common purpose and actively trying to find mutually agreeable solutions to difficulties, the conference went very well. Initiated, planned and run by naval liaison staff from both sides embedded within the other side’s command staff, and with a strong contribution from the embassies in both Berlin and Rome – with the military attachés functioning rather effectively in a diplomatic capacity – the Merano Conference is an excellent case study of military-diplomatic cooperation during wartime.

To Blockade or Not To Blockade? The Legal Status of Russia's Suspension of Shipping in the Sea of Azov

AbstractThis article explores the legal situation relating to the Sea of Azov in the light of the Russian suspension of shipping on 24 February 2022. While this act received little scholarly or political attention, there is a debate concerning the legality of the suspension of shipping, mainly whether it is governed by the law of naval blockade under the laws of naval warfare. The article analyses the situation from the perspectives of both international humanitarian law (IHL) and the law of the sea (LOS) and examines how the interaction between the two legal regimes affects the analysis. The article supports the conclusion that the Russian conduct does not constitute a naval blockade but may be an accepted practice within the legal regime of naval warfare. In addition, it holds that LOS affects both the laws of naval warfare and the status of the Sea of Azov. Furthermore, the article raises doubts as to the relevance and applicability of the legal concept of naval blockade in modern international law.

Revisiting Naval Conceptualism with reference to Corbett and Mahan

This article revisits age-old tested naval conceptualism provided by Corbett and Mahan, and critiques as offered by Booth, Gray, Grove, Jones, Rubel, Sestak, Till and Turner. Examples are presented with reference to Israel as a small to medium state and the larger maritime powers of Britain, China, Russia, and the United States. The need arises because naval warfare is linked to and dependent upon technological innovations. Nuclear propulsion, missiles, drones and cyber have changed the nature of warfare and coastguard capability. The roles of naval fleets have also changed in both defense, deterrence, and the offense due to new situations exampled by the Cold War, and asymmetric battles against violent and extremist organizations post 9/11. This has value for cadet training in the heritage of the profession, and the development of abstract considerations for a broad philosophical appreciation of naval and maritime affairs applicable when they become junior and inexperienced offices in planning, deployment, and operation. And beyond to ensure decisions and actions are a combination of experience and knowledge.

SIMULATION MODEL OF A MISSILE STRIKE

Abstract. As modern naval warfare systems and tactics continue to evolve, it is crucial to employ contemporary tools capable of assessing their potential across various combat scenarios. This study model simulates interactions between anti-ship missiles and naval forces during landing operations. Our research seeks to develop a robust method for quantitatively analyzing the impact of anti-ship missiles on naval vessels under diverse combat conditions. The model's scalability allows for the incorporation of emerging naval tactics and procedures, maintaining its relevance and utility in dynamic strategic environments. It supports enhancements in precision through statistical analysis and ongoing assessments of new weaponry and technological advancements. By simulating a broad range of missile types, naval strategies, warship classes, aircraft, reconnaissance systems, and electronic warfare capabilities, the model provides insights into the strategic utility of anti-ship missiles. Our findings aim to optimize the allocation of military resources by accurately determining the necessary missile quantities to thwart enemy naval landings, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of defensive operations. Keywords: Anti-ship missiles, missile guidance, naval landing, simulation framework, missile damage estimation.

Use of Force in Hybrid Naval Warfare Contexts: Applicability of the Law Enforcement or Conduct of Hostilities Rules?

Use of Force in Hybrid Naval Warfare Contexts: Applicability of the Law Enforcement or Conduct of Hostilities Rules?

Missile Strike Simulation in a Video Game Engine

In the field of modern computer gaming (especially within the genre of war-game strategies, realistic first-person shooters and other warfare games) the complexity of virtual naval warfare mechanics and strategies significantly increases. There is a growing demand for advanced simulation tools to provide more immersive experience and more complex gameplay for all players. The goal of this research is to create a model and tool that can accurately predict the impact of anti-ship missiles on ships engaged in different game scenarios, considering a wide range of battle conditions. By encompassing a broad array of missile types, landing strategies, ship classes, aircraft types, reconnaissance options, electronic warfare technologies and various anti-air and missile defense systems, the simulation includes both offensive and defensive maneuvers to make sure that anti-ship missiles are important within the game scenarios. Firstly, the research focuses on enhancing prediction models for calculating the damage inflicted by missile strikes on opposing naval forces. Secondly, it seeks to refine algorithms for determining the required number of missiles to prevent rival player advances, thereby maximizing operational efficiency and effectiveness in defensive missions.

Perang Riau (1782-1787): Reflections on Maritime Culture in Tuhfat Al-Nafis

The Perang Riau is one of the events that is narrated completely in Tuhfat al-Nafis. This book was originally written by Raja Ahmad Engku Haji Tua and then perfected by Raja Ali Haji in the mid-19th century. Tuhfat al-Nafis discusses various events in the Malay region in full, including the maritime culture of the Malay people and naval warfare. As a historical work written by a Malay, Tuhfat al-Nafis offers an Indonesian-centric historiographic perspective regarding the Perang Riau. There are two problem formulations in this research, first, what are the aspects of Malay maritime culture in Tuhfat al-Nafis? And secondly, what is the narrative of maritime history in the events of the Perang Riau contained in Tuhfat al-Nafis. This research was carried out using historical research methods which consist of four stages, namely heuristics, source criticism, interpretation and historical writing. The results of the research show that Tuhfat al-Nafis explains well the maritime culture of the Malay community, especially with regard to shipping technology. Apart from that, control of geography, resources and maritime communities became the main capital for the Malays to survive and fight against the Dutch.

War at Sea: Burn Care Challenges—Past, Present and Future

Throughout history, seafarers have been exposed to potential thermal injuries during naval warfare; however, injury prevention, including advances in personal protective equipment, has saved lives. Thankfully, burn injuries have decreased over time, which has resulted in a significant clinical skills gap. Ships with only Role 1 (no surgical capability) assets have worse outcomes after burn injury compared to those with Role 2 (surgical capability) assets. To prepare for future burn care challenges during a war at sea, Military Medicine must re-learn the lessons of World War I and World War II. Burn injuries do not occur in isolation during war and are associated with concomitant traumatic injuries. To care for burn casualties at sea, there is an urgent need to increase the availability of whole blood and dried plasma, resuscitation fluids that were ubiquitous throughout the naval force during World War II for both hemorrhagic and burn shock resuscitation. Furthermore, those providing trauma care at sea require formal burn care training and skills sustainment experiences in the clinical management of Burn, Trauma, and Critical Care patients. While burn education, training, and experience must be improved, modern high-energy weapons systems and anti-ship ballistic missiles necessitate concurrent investments in prevention, countermeasures, and personal protective equipment to decrease the likelihood of burn injury and damage resulting from these attacks.

Study on International Law Issues Related to the Use of Mines in Maritime Blockade Operations

Mines are an important weapon in modern naval warfare, playing a crucial role in the execution of maritime blockade tasks by armed forces. Facing potential future maritime armed conflicts, how to implement a maritime blockade using mines and how to counter enemy mines will be essential challenges in naval battles. A thorough understanding and mastery of the legal issues involved in mine warfare is a necessary prerequisite for the scientific use of mines in blockades. Additionally, conducting operations strictly in accordance with the law helps belligerents gain more international public opinion support during maritime blockade operations. This paper mainly focuses on the international legal rules related to the use of mines in maritime blockades, exploring legal issues that may arise during blockade missions and proposing targeted countermeasures and suggestions.

“Yeni Nesil” Savaşın Şafağında Teknoloji Perspektifinden Deniz Harbinin Gelişimi

Bu çalışmanın temel amacı, teknolojinin deniz harbi üzerindeki etkisini, özellikle de harp gemilerinin gelişimindeki merkezî rolünü odağa alarak incelemektir. Donanmanın teknolojiye olan yüksek bağımlılığı, orduya kıyasla platform ve ekipmanlara daha fazla önem vermesinden kaynaklanmaktadır. Daha önce de olduğu gibi günümüzün beş boyutlu harekât ortamında da teknoloji, genellikle yapay zekâ ile birlikte donanmanın operasyonel etkinliğini artırmada kritik bir faktör olmaya devam etmektedir. Deniz harbinin çok yönlü doğası göz önüne alındığında, bu çalışma makro düzeyde bir yaklaşım benimsemeyerek teknolojinin deniz harekâtını ve harp gemisi gelişimini nasıl etkilediğini kapsamlı bir şekilde ele almak için Vincent P. O’Hara ve Leonard R. Heinz tarafından geliştirilen yenilikçi “dalga” çerçevesini kullanmaktadır.

“ Hippapai !” Horse-Carriers: A Master Ship of Ancient Thalassocracies

Summary Most powerful ancient navies included a type of ship that conveyed cavalry known as hippagogos – a master weapon of all sea powers – to carry out their expeditions overseas. Ancient thalassocracies understood that their dominion depended not only on fighting ships. Cavalry was necessary for victory on land and was thus a necessary component of their maritime strategy. Control of Mediterranean waters necessitated the construction of horse-carriers that provided much needed auxiliary support to the fleet. Although a naval force might include only a few of these vessels, their role was essential, and for this reason they were part of every significant fleet. Only sea powers with large resources and advanced nautical skills could commission horse-transports, which were old warships that had been transformed. This investigation traces the evolution in the use of vessels conveying cavalry from Persian expeditions in the Aegean to the Battle of Actium. The study considers the literary and epigraphic sources evidencing them in order to emphasize their continued importance for the evolution of naval warfare throughout antiquity. Athenian horse-carriers are the best documented examples and are considered the most extensively, even though many other powers used these kinds of vessels. At the peak of their maritime empire, the Athenian employed horse-carriers on multiple occasions against their enemies. The city-state was renowned for them to the extent that Aristophanes dedicated a comedic episode to them in his play Knights, which indicates the great interest of elites in these vessels. The article also reassesses the role of the cavalrymen who played pivotal roles in the expeditions of all maritime empires in antiquity.