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Naval Warfare

Commentary
Could Taiwan Defend with Uncrewed Surface Vessels?
Ukraine has demonstrated the ability of explosive uncrewed surface vessels to target ships. These weapons could play a role in preventing Chinese forces from successfully invading Taiwan in potential future scenarios.
Jan 9, 2023
Commentary
The Drifting Menace
The drifting mine threat is not going away: they are simple, effective weapons that are easily made and deployed even by actors with limited naval capabilities. A holistic approach to tactics, enforcement, and technology development could help counter the threat and maintain future freedom of the seas.
Nov 16, 2022
Journal Article
"Killing Rats in a Porcelain Shop": PLA Urban Warfare in a Taiwan Campaign
This chapter considers the dedicated efforts the PLA has focused on since the late 2000s to develop an urban warfare capacity that appears to be directed at the capture of Taipei in a Cross-straits contingency.
Oct 19, 2022
Journal Article
Emerging Trends in Naval Mining Capabilities
Although mines using decades-old technology remain menacing, several broad technological trends are likely to enhance the threat from naval mines in the next few decades.
Aug 5, 2022
Journal Article
The Imperative to Defend Minefields
Minefields can impede an adversary fleet's ability to sortie from port. But once laid, they must be defended to prevent sweeping operations.
Aug 3, 2022
Report
Supporting a Royal Australian Navy Modelling and Simulation Strategy: A Strategy-to-Task Framework
The authors provide an evidence base for an expanded Modelling and Simulation Strategy for the Royal Australian Navy so that it can better position itself to operate in a high-end warfighting environment.
May 18, 2022
Journal Article
Blockship Tactics to Trap Enemy Fleets
The U.S. Navy should initiate a blockship program to counter potential threats.
Feb 8, 2022
Commentary
The Suez Grounding Was an Accident. The Next Blocked Chokepoint Might Not Be
The recent spectacle of a hulking container ship wedged into the Suez Canal is a reminder of how vulnerable maritime transportation is to blocked chokepoints. The fragility of maritime lifelines may encourage the use of this tactic in future conflict.
Mar 30, 2021
Report
Command and Control in U.S. Naval Competition with China
The navies of the United States and China will likely face challenges as they shift to new missions unless they adapt their existing concepts of command and control. Their willingness to adapt could prove to be decisive in maritime rivalry, and perhaps in the overall balance of strategic competition between the two nations.
Dec 17, 2020
Report
Japan's Ability and Willingness to Assist U.S. Forces in the East China Sea
Should a conventional high-end contingency erupt in the East China Sea between the United States and China, Japan could support the U.S. military. But that assistance would be limited, in terms of capabilities, existing legal restrictions, and political realities.
Dec 14, 2020
Testimony
Australia’s Naval Shipbuilding Capability
During the past decade, Australia has used research to understand the cost, benefits, and challenges of national shipbuilding strategies and decisions. What recent developments should Australia's policymakers consider when planning naval ship programs?
Nov 12, 2020
Report
Unlocking NATO's Amphibious Potential: Lessons from the Past, Insights for the Future
Researchers analyze the past, present, and future employment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's amphibious forces, highlight ongoing initiatives, and identify several efforts that should be pursued to advance its amphibious capabilities.
Nov 9, 2020
Journal Article
Military Build-Up in the South China Sea
This book chapter explores the very latest developments in the South China Sea maritime dispute.
Jan 22, 2020
Report
NATO's Amphibious Forces: Command and Control of a Multibrigade Alliance Task Force
At the request of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, RAND researchers facilitated three wargaming events exploring how to leverage and enhance the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)'s existing amphibious capacity by organizing extant national forces into a coherent multibrigade command and control (C2) structure.
Jun 27, 2019
Report
Advancing Autonomous Systems: An Analysis of Current and Future Technology for Unmanned Maritime Vehicles
In this report, RAND researchers explore current and potential military applications of autonomous systems, focusing especially on unmanned undersea vehicles and unmanned surface vehicles.
Jan 4, 2019
Commentary
Small States Can Use Naval Mines and Unmanned Vehicles to Deter Maritime Aggression
Small coastal nations face potential threats from larger, more powerful adversaries. Their coastlines represent vulnerabilities that a foe may seek to exploit. But these nations can hinder and deter potential aggressors by using less expensive systems, such as naval mines and unmanned vehicles.
Jul 16, 2018
Journal Article
Can Vietnam's Military Stand Up to China in the South China Sea?
This article examines Vietnam's warfighting capabilities for defending its disputed claims with China in the South China Sea.
Feb 22, 2018
Blog
Amphibious Plans and Posture in Support of NATO Event Held at RAND
A RAND workshop focused on the importance of amphibious and maritime forces working together within NATO. This provided a venue for dialogue and idea exchange about maritime and amphibious challenges and opportunities in Europe.
Jan 19, 2018
Report
How Russia's Military Has Evolved
The Russian armed forces are not like the Soviet Army in size, depth, or global ideological aspirations. But Russia has demonstrated its military competence and operational flexibility in Crimea, eastern Ukraine, and Syria.
Dec 7, 2017
Testimony
Amphibious Operations in Contested Environments
Amphibious forces can be useful in a variety of settings. But the reach and lethality of today's weapons make parts of amphibious operations especially challenging.
May 18, 2017

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RAND Topic:
Naval Warfare

Researcher Spotlight

Nicholas Johnson

Technical Analyst

Nicholas Johnson is a technical analyst in the RAND Corporation's Washington, D.C. Office. His current research at RAND includes non-kinetic effects, directed energy, aerial ISR, and Navy acquisition.
M. Scott Bond

Senior Technical Analyst

Michael Bond is a technical analyst working at the intersection of military technology, modeling and simulation, wargaming, and East-Asia. His research interests include force modernization, naval warfare, PLA modernization, wargaming, and modeling and simulation. Bond also serves as the MORS…

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