Abstract

Littoral operations are complex, and arguably represent the most challenging area of operation for navies. Historically a significant portion of naval operations are conducted in littoral waters. This has been the case for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) with many of its operations in the coastal and archipelagic waters in the South-West Pacific and the Western Pacific rim. The Australian Defence Strategic Review (DSR) implicitly reinforces this geo-political reality. 

The unique challenges of the littoral environment can constrain naval forces and increase their vulnerability to ever more lethal offensive capabilities such as land-based maritime strike, uncrewed surface vessels, uncrewed underwater vessels and uncrewed aerial vehicles. Littoral operations not only demand a high level of Combined and Joint interoperability, but particularly within Australia’s littoral regions, they require an integrated force. 

This paper considers the nature and challenges of historic, present and future RAN littoral operations and what that means for Australian naval capability. It also draws out key themes in the RAN’s littoral experiences.

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