Page 65 - Naval_Research_Wing_2024_12_17

50 Sri Lanka Navy Journal Sri Lanka Navy Journal 51

• Procedure Standardization. Multinational communication
procedures, tactical instructions, maneuvering procedures, Rules of
Resources
engagement...etc, can be standardized to ensure seamless coordina- Maritime
cooperation
tion among naval forces to increase interoperability.

• Unified C2 Structures. Unified command structures from Transporlation
different navies promote efficient decision-making and coordination Naval
by enhancing interoperability. roles
Confliot and
Information competition
• Interoperable Technology. Compatibility and interoperabil-
ity of equipment, sensors, and communication systems from varied
naval platforms with modern technologies promote integration and
Dominion
ensure seamless integration between maritime assets. Further, the
shared technology allows SLN to familiarize the equipment, proce-
dures, and tactics of diverse partners with each other’s capabilities Figure 3: Attributes of the Sea
and limitations. Source : Extracted from sea power (2004)

• Information Sharing. Establishing common databases,
d. Economic Opportunities. The reputation built across the re-
communication networks, and information-sharing protocols en-
sponsibility can create future opportunities where the military can have
sures naval forces can exchange critical information in real-time, en-
more deployments in multinational missions. Thus, SLN has the poten-
hancing situational awareness and effectiveness.
tial to capitalize on this opportunity as a future economic opportunity as
• Personnel Exchange Programs. Programs designed to ex- Bangladesh military earns from UN peacekeeping (Newagebd.net, 2024).
change personnel between navies during joint operations help to en- Hence, it offers a platform for the SLN to showcase its reliability and pro-
hance interoperability to a greater extent while allowing naval per- fessionalism, fostering trust among international partners and potential-
sonnel to gain experience in operating procedures and cultures of ly unlocking lucrative economic opportunities for the GOSL.
partner countries.
The positive impacts of SLN deployment are always associated with the
• Doctrine Harmonization. Seamless integration and cohe-
negative consequences that could be identi�ied as threats to the GOSL decision.
sive operation in a joint environment promote the aligning and har-
Hence, this discussion paper has highlighted the following threats to the organi-
monizing operational doctrines that facilitate information sharing,
sation that shall be recognised in the strategic hierarchy of the state.
joint training exercises, and technology transfer, ultimately bolster-
ing the SLN’s capabilities. Additionally, aligning operational doctrines Threats
ensures consistency and clarity in mission objectives, optimizes re-
source utilization, and promotes a unified approach to maritime chal-
The states that seek freedom of navigation have been threatened by bal-
lenges, enhancing the SLN’s strategic posture and influence in the
listic missiles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) [asymmetric tactics] on
maritime domain.
merchant vessels in the Red Sea area. Hence, the good order at sea must be sus-
c. Broaden Security Partnerships. The planned operation “Pros- tained by interests expressed through political decisions backed by naval force
(Sea power, 2004) that have imminent threats on life and assets. The author
perity Guardian” is the largest-scale multinational maritime mission un-
highlighted the following threats the SLN could face during the deployments.
der the aegis of the CTF 153, a united effort of over ten key allies (Willett,
2023). The evolving situation consequently allows SLN to strengthen
• National Security Challenges. The escalated tensions in the
security partnerships with nations invested in maintaining regional sta-
region may lead to increased non-traditional security issues, i.e., pira-
bility. This application in safeguarding the attributes [Resource, trans-
portation, information, and dominion] of the sea would create maritime cy, terrorism, and associated other security threats like traf�icking and
cooperation emphasizing naval roles ( Sea power, 2004). Perhaps the col- smuggling that directly seek the SLN involvement. Hence, the SLN must
laborative efforts can enhance the capabilities and knowledge of the SLN be prepared to address these challenges to safeguard its maritime inter-
across the joint maneuvers. ests in its waters effectively while deploying its assets in extra regions.