2009 Research and Technology Highlights
Abstract
Fifty years ago when NURC was formed, WWII had just finished and we were in the midst of the Cold War. Research at the Centre naturally focused on undersea, or antisubmarine, warfare. At the end of the Cold War, most research labs closed down (except in the United States) as programmes were cut. Although industry filled in some of the gaps, national undersea warfare capabilities dwindled. The current economic crisis has further dampened countries interest and ability to fund basic undersea research, despite the fact that many conflicts after the Cold War have played out on our oceans: the naval forces used in the Falkland Island conflict, the mines that were laid during the first Gulf War, the torpedo that was likely used to sink the South Korean warship. In addition, other new threats have emerged and demanded our attention: suicide bombers at-tacking the USS Cole, Somali pirates hijacking cargo ships, and the Mum-bai attackers entering the city undetected by boat. The Centre is addressing these new and traditional threats. Our 2009 programme reflected the shift to re-search and technology for policing our shorelines and waterways and developing appropriate responses to multiple, low-intensity threats. For 2009, greater emphasis was placed on port and harbour protection, maritime surveillance, and mine countermeasures. Antisubmarine warfare research continues to be an essential part of NURCs programme, because there is a need to prepare for the next generation of submarines that non-NATO nations are purchasing. However, emphasis is no longer on tracking submarines in deep ocean water, but in tracking smaller, stealthier subs in the shallow water near our shores.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- AD1113383
Entities
People
- Francois-regis Martin-lauzer
Organizations
- Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation