Effective Underwater Weapon Systems and the Indian Ocean Region

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has profound strategic relevance not only for the nations in the region but also for other countries.1 The bulk of the world’s merchant fleets transit through one of the busiest sea lanes in the world, via the Malacca Straits. Also, the presence of major petroleum exports originating from the Gulf, encourage the major powers of the world to have a strategic presence in the IOR. Present day naval strategies are not so much about exercising sea denial but about maintaining strategic presence, and switching to sea control whenever there is any threat to their own maritime interests. This calls for comprehensive situational awareness, and the continuous monitoring of both the surface and underwater fronts. The geographical location of India leaves it no choice but to be a major player in the IOR. Further, due to the growing energy needs of China in the recent past, and the bulk of its energy supplies transiting through the IOR, has encouraged both China and the United States to ensure their own strategic presence.

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