THE INFERIOR FLEET – A RISK TAKEN Cover Image

FLOTA INFERIOARĂ – UN RISC ASUMAT
THE INFERIOR FLEET – A RISK TAKEN

Author(s): Valentin – Marian TOMA
Subject(s): Military policy, Geopolitics
Published by: Carol I National Defence University Publishing House
Keywords: inferior fleet; current fleet; inferior fleet in action; naval tactical actions;

Summary/Abstract: In the present article I set out to make an analysis of the concepts of current fleet and also of the inferior fleet in action, which have in common the quantitative and qualitative inferiority of forces and means. In naval conflicts the superior fleets quantitatively and qualitatively benefit from a considerable advantage in relation to the enemy. This advantage of the superior naval force, in most cases, leads to a rapid neutralization of the enemy naval forces, to the achievement of the freedom of navigation in the area of operations and to the fulfillment of the operative and strategic objectives. However, there is the possibility that an inferior naval force will avoid a decisive battle and the naval tactical actions it performs will greatly influence the conduct of events at sea. The novelty of this article is highlighted by the comparative analysis of the examples presented, which highlights the differences between the two concepts, so that the idea that an inferior fleet can act on the enemy’s means of communication, can delay its actions for a short time, but without consistent support from the air force or allied forces, the inferior fleet will eventually lose the initiative and be defeated. Equipping ships of an inferior fleet with modern detection technique will qualitatively reduce the differences in a naval confrontation. The analysis of the naval confrontations shows that many naval battles and battles took place near the shore, from which we deduce the particularly important role that the air and ground forces have in supporting the naval forces.

  • Issue Year: 2020
  • Issue No: 04
  • Page Range: 35-41
  • Page Count: 7
  • Language: Romanian
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