Navies in Asia: A Survey of the Development of Ten Navies in South and South East Asia, 1945-1992

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Navies in Asia: A Survey of the Development of Ten Navies in South and South East Asia, 1945-1992

J. Goldrick

The study analyses the development of the navies of South and South East Asia from the end of the Second World War until 1992. Included within the history are the services of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. The factors involved within the development of each navy over the last forty seven years are treated, with particular emphasis on strategic, economic and cultural considerations. The great majority of these navies have undergone considerable expansion in size and improvement in capability within the last two decades. This is partly the result of increases in budgets arising from rapid economic development within the region, but it also reflects increasing awareness amongst the countries concerned of the significance of the maritime sphere and of the complex strategic environment arising from the end of the Cold War and the rise of powers such as China, Japan and India. 145 All but the least developed now possess surface to surface missiles, modem ocean going combatants with organic helicopters and a variety of other weapons and sensors. India, Pakistan and Indonesia possess modem diesel-electric submarines, while India has experimented with a nuclear submarine. Still other countries are examining proposals to acquire submarine forces. Every nation is improving its maritime surveillance capabilities. The theme within the region is one of improved capabilities to meet ever more demanding requirements. The study analyses these changes and suggests the likely directions which each service will take, as well as the associated implications for the local security situation.