Summary and Conclusions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine coastal defense navies as a unique and distinct type of naval force. Differences which exist among coastal defense navies were also explored. These analyses were supplemented by an appraisal of the various operational environments in which coastal defense navies are deployed and an assessment of the relationship of these navies to their respective operational environments. To facilitate these efforts, two classification hierarchies were developed through an analysis of specific sets of naval, support and geographical variables. The results of these analyses are summarized briefly in the first section of this chapter. This is followed by a discussion of the implications of these results for the world’s blue water navies and their future operations in the littorals. Further implications of the coastal defense navy hierarchy on various regional security issues are also addressed. The chapter concludes with an assessment of the future of coastal defense navies and the coastal defense navy hierarchy.