Antisubmarine Warfare: Considerations for Future Operations in Third World Regions.

摘要

Recent world change requires that the United States Navy review strategic objectives, operational concepts, and supporting warfare applications among them antisubmarine warfare (ASW). This paper reviews possible implications from an ASW perspective as the U.S. shifts focus from the former Soviet threat to the Third World. The purpose of this paper is not to speculate in which areas the U.S. might become involved. Nor does the paper address detailed strategic or tactical implications. Instead, this paper addresses what operational ASW-related areas might possibly require review and modification, providing rationale regarding why these areas might be affected. ASW doctrine in the past has focused on the former Soviet nuclear submarine threat operating in open blue water . New doctrine and operational concepts must be developed which are applicable to conventionally-powered (non-nuclear propulsion) submarines operated by Third World countries in littoral shallow water regions. Revised concepts must be developed which consider threat diversity, the environment, and technology.