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NAVSTRAT-2030 NAVSTRAT-2030

systems and precision-guided munitions mainly based on autonomous platforms either drones or CHAPTER 7
unmanned surface vehicles to prevent illicit activities. Other than the traditional systems, defence
systems against non-traditional firearms and systems including drone attacks are essential to NAVAL CONTINGENCY FORCE
mitigate the possible threats to naval assets and the threat from the sea in the contemporary world.
Financial constraints may obstruct the acquisition of sophisticated weapon systems. However, the Establishment of a Naval Contingency Force (NCF)
SLN’s experience with home-grown solutions by modifying weapon systems cost-effectively to
suit to purpose during humanitarian operations gives the green light on future innovations in NCF constitutes a repository of crucial resources, capabilities and forces that a nation maintains to
weapon and defence in Sri Lanka. safeguard its national security and respond adeptly to unexpected diverse threats, whether they be
conventional or unconventional in nature. In the realm of maritime strategy, this reserve operates
Energy Conservation as an external reinforcing force, not pre-committed to any specific major capability but utilized to
Due to the heavy involvement of technology, the energy consumption of SLN is one of the meet regular military operation requirements.
concerns. These are mainly in the form of electricity and fossil energy. The total units consumed
for the year 2021 was 28,577,819 kWh and SLN has reduced the consumption by 10% in 2023 Establishing the NCF within the SLN is imperative, aligning with the maritime security objectives.
compared to the year 2021. Other notable aspects are as follows; This force serves as a prioritized and robust element in national efforts during emergencies, and
which considered as a standby force. The operandi of NCF is significantly influenced by regional
● Use of Renewable Energy. The introduction of Solar PV systems as feasible is security collaboration, partnership, political will, public opinion, and global geopolitical and
another aspect to develop in the energy sector. Remote locations where the national security shifts (cyber and hybrid, etc). The NCF will be used as a force multiplier.
grid is not available, street light systems and rooftops of large buildings are
identified as possible suitable locations to install Automated Solar PV systems. Effective Utilization of NCF
Most of the bases and detachments are located in the coastal belt and dry zones
where solar energy harvest is high will be an added benefit for SLN to implement The NAVSTRAT-2030 has identified the delicate balance of combat power as a prerequisite to
this project. SLN to seek the possibility of this attempt through collaborations. mitigate threats to the security of the country. However, this strategic stand-in is designed to

● Periodic Maintenance. SLN continues carrying out periodic maintenance of manage emergencies until main force reinforcements arrive and this may function as a Quick
Reaction Team (QRT) with technical and technological capabilities. This ensures long-term
systems running with fossil fuels and electricity including; main engines, auxiliary sustainability and combat professionalism in hasty response, relief and rescue military operations
machinery, AC systems and motors to ensure energy efficiency. at any place, in given time. According to maritime security objectives, NCF consists of Special

● Energy Audits. Energy audits are carried out in-house and with the assistance of Boat Squadron (SBS), Rapid Action Boat Squadron, Rapid Response Rescue and Relief Unit
other stakeholders and governing institutions such as the Sustainable Energy (RABS and 4RU) and Marines. In view to ensure best optimization, NCF is to be deployed in
Authority to ensure efficient energy usage and to identify the drawbacks to mitigate predetermined locations of important around Sri Lanka with all military capabilities under the
appropriately. naval classic roles encompassing military, diplomatic and HADR aspects.
● Continuous Monitoring, Education and Awareness. The SLN continuously
educates and monitors energy consumption and the details are published on the ● Special Boat Squadron (SBS). The SBS stands as the distinguished naval
main page of SLN internal web to aware naval personnel of SLN energy SOF and the sole elite force within the SLN. It is entrusted with the execution of
consumption patterns and insist on energy saving. small-scale, clandestine, covert or overt Special Forces operations, often of an
unorthodox and high-risk nature. Furthermore, SOF is operating seamlessly across
sea, air, land and sub-surface domains.
Technology to Accomplish Naval Role

SLN is entrusted to carry out non-naval duties in various capacities. Such duties required special ● Marines. Marines is a designed and specialized to conduct land and
equipment and systems other than the available sensors. Apprehension of radioactive substances, amphibious operations such as counter insurgency operations, anti-piracy
chemicals, drugs and some contraband items can only be done with specific detectors. Real-time operations and act as Commander’s reserve in emergencies.
and predicted meteorological data can be obtained by satellite systems and weather forecasting
systems subjected to subscribe such on a payment basis. Prevention of oil spills, firefighting and ● Rapid Action Boats Squadron (RABS). Based on the concept of ‘swarming
damage control can be efficiently carried out with modern equipment. The CBRN response teams, tactics’, the RABS was formed and deployed in a limited maritime domain close to
VBSS teams, 4RS, RABS, VIP protection teams, SBS, Harbour Defence Units, Marines, Divers, coastal waters during wartime. However, at present this unit is equipped with
Naval Hospitals and the duties of similar specific units will ease up with wearable sensors and skilled personnel and necessary resources to perform a range of HADR activities
modern advance systems, which SLN is essentially required to possess. such as rescue operations, life-saving duties during disaster situation, lifeboat
handling, assistance in aquatic recreational in coastal waters and inland water
bodies, waterborne rescue, rescue patrols in reservoirs, rivers and coastal areas.

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