Page 89 - MDSL Final

MARITIME FIGHTING POWER
Conceptual Innovation

To meet government policies, SLN required to develop future defence
capabilities, ‘Out of the Box’ concepts and ideas bring an element
of uniqueness into operations and must be encouraged during the
doctrine development process, for the innovative application of combat
power. SLN maintains a progressive programme of intellectual and
academic engagement, education and experimentation. Understanding
the doctrine contributes directly to the conceptual component. The
conceptual component is also updated by conceptual innovation,
capturing how our thinking changes over time in response to new
technologies, structures and challenges.

By early 1990s LTTE had developed suicide boats, since they
were unable to operate at a very high speed at the time,
our Fast Attack Craft could outmanoeuvre them. However,
LTTE improved their suicide craft, using multiple engines
with higher horse power during the ceasefire from 2002 to
2006. With these improvements they were able to actually
threaten the Fast Attack Craft. This became very evident
when the hostilities began in 2006. So we had to look for
an alternative to the new scenario. The Sea Tiger boats
were capable of doing 40 knots which is about 80 km/h.
We had to develop a counter strategy. Our answer was
the small boat concept. Thus, SLN developed a low profile
small boat with superior speed, high manoeuvrability and
lethal fire power similar to the weapon outfit of a Fast
Attack Craft. Squadrons of these craft were stationed in
strategic locations. This small boat concept was successful
in effectively countering LTTE suicide craft threat.

The Man behind The NAVAL STRATEGY -
VICE ADMIRAL WASANTHA KARANNAGODA
(BUSINESS TODAY February 2009)

To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea 71