MARITIME POWER PROJECTION IN ENCLOSED AND SEMI-ENCLOSED SEAS IN THE ERA OF MARITIME DRONES. CONTINUITY AND ADAPTATION OF THE ROLE OF COMBAT SHIPS
MARITIME POWER PROJECTION IN ENCLOSED AND SEMI-ENCLOSED SEAS IN THE ERA OF MARITIME DRONES. CONTINUITY AND ADAPTATION OF THE ROLE OF COMBAT SHIPS

Author(s): Pavel-Traian FETTI, Vlad-George PĂDURARIU
Subject(s): Security and defense, Military Sciences
Published by: Carol I National Defence University Publishing House
Keywords: maritime power projection; maritime drones; USV; UUV; enclosed seas; semi-enclosed seas; sea control; A2/AD; command and control.
Summary/Abstract: This article examines how the proliferation of maritime drones influences maritime power projection in enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, characterized by limited maneuvering space, high sensor density, and the extensive presence of coastal A2/AD systems. Starting from the research hypothesis that the expansion of ISR and attack capabilities through drones does not eliminate the need for combat ships, the authors argue that they remain essential for credible power projection and control of maritime space. The paper highlights the structural limitations of drones in contested environments, particularly their dependence on command and control networks vulnerable to electronic warfare, their still incomplete operational autonomy, and the difficulties associated with positive target identification and escalation management. Based on an evaluation grid comparing operational presence continuity, resilience, command capability, mission versatility, and political-strategic effect, the article shows that combat ships operate as multi-domain integration nodes, provide layered defense, and enable the exercise of legitimate control over maritime space. The results show that, in confined seas, maritime drones act as capability multipliers, but not as a complete substitute for combat ships, and their maximum operational value results from their doctrinal integration into an interoperable naval architecture, oriented towards multi-domain operations and capable of generating credible effects in a contested environment.

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