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NAVSTRAT-2030 NAVSTRAT-2030
Peacetime Concept of Operation At present there is an inability to afford a huge amount of capital from naval budget for purchasing
large seagoing platforms during next few years. Therefore, best utilization of tactical UAVs at
available larger platforms would be cost-effective and efficient means to bolster its naval
Currently, the SLN deploys ships for EEZ patrol based on analysed information only, without
maintaining dedicated sea units at different geographical areas to address multi-dimensional capabilities despite budgetary constraints. Moreover, it will address the nourishing maritime safety
threats 24 x 7 due to cost considerations. Instead, the SLN utilizes maritime domain awareness and security issues in the maritime domain of Sri Lanka. Some of the most important maritime
tools to identify white shipping and dark targets and planning to invest in satellite imagery in aspects compensated from UAVs are listed below;
suspicious areas for further analysis. However, the SLN faces challenges in directing physical
assets for further investigation. Therefore, it is advisable for the SLN to initiate with shipborne Wide area surveillance
UAVs for extended Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). Provide Over The Horizon Targeting (OTHT) data
Nevertheless, the SLN needs to consider the optimal utilization of the existing fleet, deviating from Surveillance and reconnaissance
solely operating based on information. Even during peacetime, once dark targets are filtered Battle damage assessment
through the criteria explained above, there should be a few sea-going assets floating in demarcated
strategic areas to perform such tasks 24 x 7. To reduce wear and tear and fuel wastage, it is advised Surveillance of area prior to combat search and rescue operation
to use vessels for 20 to 30 nights, particularly capable AOPVs/ OPVs. Moreover, the SLN may Obtain real time imagery of area or objects of interest
need to address maritime terrorism, piracy or hostage activities at sea in the future, requiring Naval
Contingency Force trained in special operations at sea. Surveillance of EEZ and fishery protection
Maritime patrol in the coastal area
In addition to security concerns, Sri Lanka is prone to natural disasters and marine accidents,
necessitating the SLN’s involvement in SAR and disaster relief operations at sea. The SLN is also Merchant traffic monitoring
responsible for conducting hydrographic surveys of its area of operation during peacetime.
Assistance in SAR operations
Requirement of UAVs to the Sri Lanka Navy Coastal and critical maritime infrastructure protection
Pollution prevention, law enforcement and evidence collection
UAVs have gained significant attention in enhancing maritime surveillance and reconnaissance
capabilities. Their advantages such as extended flight times, heightened deployment flexibility and
the ability to capture high-resolution imagery and sensor data make them indispensable for Desirable Fleet
monitoring marine operations. Across the IOR, countries are increasingly integrating UAVs into To confront multidimensional maritime security threats and safety issues, despite all the limitations
their maritime security strategies enabling efficient coverage of maritime zones and swift and constraints, the SLN needs to relentlessly perform tasks entrusted by the nation. This is true
responses to emerging threats. irrespective of the capabilities of the present naval fleet as elaborated above. Therefore, the SLN
fleet must be optimized with the new assets to deliver the roles and tasks to protect and promote
UAVs can serve as force multipliers for SLN ships by extending the force sensor horizon and national interests.
enabling stand-off offensive and defensive capabilities within equipment constraints. Tactical
UAVs can offer opportunities for deploying limited aviation capabilities from a range of minor
war vessels including patrol boats for tasks such as surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence
collection and communications.
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