Chokepoint Control: Operational Challenges for Blue-Water Navies

Abstract

The objective of chokepoint control is of overriding importance for nations that wish to project power to distant areas. It is wrongfully assumed by many naval professionals that blue-water navies will in all circumstances prevail over weaker coastal navies. Chokepoint transits represent an operational situation in which a relatively weak navy may defeat a powerful blue-water navy. This is possible because the geography of chokepoints transforms the nature of space-force and time-force relationships in a way that does not favor blue-water navies. A closer study of these relationships reveals how chokepoints elevate the combat potential of small, weak navies. Ultimately, this analysis shows what blue-water navies must do to mitigate the risks associated with chokepoint transit. (16 refs.)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 15, 2003
Accession Number
ADA420213

Entities

People

  • Mark M. Huber

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Antisubmarine Warfare
  • Artillery
  • Boats
  • Bodies Of Water
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Geography
  • Littoral Warfare
  • Military Organizations
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Vessels
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Sea Control
  • Space Force
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Waterways

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • Economics
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.

Technology Areas

  • Space