Book tip - Innovating Victory

Vincent P. O`Hara and Leonard R. Heinz: Innovating Victory: Naval Technology in Three Wars, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis 2022

The current maritime discussion about future technologies, platforms and strategies is characterised by questions of effectiveness against equivalent opponents and their new weapon systems. Here, the innovative approach of the two authors O'Hara and Heinz could help to analyse this problem more promisingly in future. Both analyse six key technologies of naval warfare from the Russo-Japanese War, the First and Second World Wars, such as new platforms (submarines and aircraft), new weapons (torpedoes and mines) and new tools (radar and radio). They compare their early or late deployment in the major navies of the time. Since the main task of every navy is to win wars, technologies are measured by whether and to what extent they can improve this task. The eternal struggle of the armed forces for limited budgetary resources is also considered. When analysing the torpedo, for example, the authors come to the conclusion that it could only achieve its maximum effect when combined with the best platform - the submarine - and its best target - the merchant ship.

New technologies influence tactics (see Jellicoe off Jutland), change operations (see von Spee in the Pacific), or even strategies (Japan's carrier attack on Pearl Harbour). However, their use also promotes the development of countermeasures. The process of change is ongoing, it does not end with the introduction of the technology on weapon platforms. Navies must therefore be open to possible changes and adaptations of new technologies. However, this also includes a willingness to abandon outdated methods and approaches.

In what context are navies looking for new technologies? Modern developments such as the F 35 are very complex, expensive and can only be brought to market by financially strong navies. In comparison, artificial intelligence and drones do not require huge development and production facilities, are inexpensive and have been quite successful in recent military conflicts. Navies are therefore well advised to observe and analyse all these developments on a global basis and make decisions for their own needs. In view of new potential threats from a combination of platforms, long-range missiles and cruise missiles, killer drones and similar developments, these can only be successfully countered through networking, similar tactics and operational considerations.

This book provides enough food for thought or even rethinking.

Heinz Dieter Jopp / August 2022