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NAVAL INSIGHTS FROM RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT IN THE BLACK SEA

Why in the News?

• Key moments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict highlight decisive shifts in combat dynamics.
• Ukraine’s coordinated attack on Russian naval targets in Sevastopol altered the course of the naval war.

Source: Britanica

Geography and Technology Impact:

• The Black Sea’s narrow waterways played a crucial role in the conflict’s outcome.
• Access to advanced technology and Western arms influenced the conflict in Ukraine’s favour.

Limited Utility of Naval Blockade:

• Russian blockade faced challenges; Ukraine operationalized humanitarian corridors.
• Naval blockades prove less effective in active conflict, limiting their utility.

Emergence of Combat Drones:

• Combat drones played a significant role in the conflict, affecting the outcome.
• Loss of the Russian flagship Moskva attributed partly to drone warfare.

Littoral Warfare Strategies:

• Shore-based missiles and creative use of limited naval capabilities demonstrated effectiveness.
• Targeting adversary’s logistics sites and innovative technology usage deterred stronger opponents.

Importance of Ship Design and Crew Competence:

• Ship design and crew competence crucial for survival in war.
• Crew errors in handling crises aboard the Moskva underscored the importance of training.

Lesson for Naval Leaders:

• Success in contemporary naval battles depends on nonlinear strategies.
• Thinking beyond traditional methods and adapting to the situation is crucial for victory.