World Navies in 2015

摘要

The start of 2015 sees the United States and its major allies assessing how best to respond to a more assertive Russia in the aftermath of the latter's March 2014 seizure of Crimea from the Ukraine. The re-emergence of a potential Russian threat is a major headache for the US Navy and other branches of America's armed forces. They had been steadily transferring their increasingly limited resources towards Asia as part of a 'Pivot to the Pacific', designed to counter growing Chinese regional influence, but now face increased demands in Europe as well. American naval deployments in critical areas such as the Baltic and Black Sea have already been stepped up in consequence. There have also been renewed calls for European nations to do more to protect themselves. These have gained most support among Russia's neighbours, benefitting a number of naval projects. Among these is Sweden's next-generation A-26 submarine, which will incorporate stealth technologies to improve its chances of survival in the confined waters of the Baltic.