Page 165 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
Combat Operations against the Land

The ability of Navies to strike directly at land targets has historically
depended upon the position of large calibre guns or embarked fixed-
wing aircraft. Surface combatants with medium calibre guns possess a
limited capability to conduct bombardment, although effectiveness has
improved with increasing accuracy. Providing Naval Gun Fire Support
(NGFS) for the support of advancing troops in operations or for camp
defence during an attack was a frequent phenomenon especially during
the early stages of the conflict when the LTTE was not in possession
of large calibre land weapons and suicide boats. However, even during
the latter stages whenever amphibious troops landed in enemy territory
or when reinforcement of troops or an evacuation operation by sea
was planned, SLN was called upon to provide NGFS in support of the
embarkation/disembarkation troops, when troops advance along the
coast or as a cover to fleet units which are engaged in such operations
close to land.

Support Operations on Land and in the Air
Maritime forces offer considerable potential to contribute to combat
operations on land and in the air. Medium calibre guns in surface
combatants can be used for fire support or bombardment operation,
while air warfare sensors and weapons contribute to counter air
operations against own forces.

Amphibious Operations

In amphibious operations, naval units embark land forces at ports,
transport them by sea to the designated area of operations, launch them
against a hostile or potentially hostile shore and sustain them ashore for
the duration of the operation. Amphibious operations seek to exploit
the superior mobility and carrying capacity of Navies. Amphibious
operations are conducted by surface ships with support and insertion of
Land/Special Forces.

146 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea