central intelligence agencyc
?
MEMORANDUM FOB: The Director, Defense Intelligence Agency
MILITARY THOUDHT: "The Use of Surface Vessels
In Modern Naval Warfare', by Bear-Adalral N. Zvyagln
Enclosederbatim translation of an article vhlch appeared In the TOP SECRET Special Collection of Articles of the Journal "Militaryoyennayaublished by the Ministry of Defense, USSR, and distributed-down to the level of Army Commander.
In the Interests of protecting our source, this material should be handledeed-tc-knov basis within your office. Requests for extra copies of this report or for utilization of any part of this document in any other form should be addressed to the originating office.
FOB THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, PLANS:
RICHARD HEIX3
Military Assistant to tbe President
Special Assistant to tbe President for National Security Affairs
Assistant to ths Secretary of Defense
Director for Intelligence The Joint Staff
Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence. Air Force
Assistant Cblef of Staff for Intelligence Department of the Army
Director of Naval Intelligence Departaent of the Navy
Director, National Security Agency
The Director of Intelligence and Research Department of State
Director, Division of Intelligence Atomic Energy Commission
Chairman, Guided Missiles and Astronautics Intelligence Committee
Deputy Director for Intelligence
Assistant Director for National Estimates
Assistant Director for Current Intelligence
Assistant Director for Research and Reports
Assistant Director for Scientific Intelligence
USSR
S'JBJSCT (fff MILITARY THOUGHT: "The Use of Surface Veoeels in Modem Navaly Rear-AdolralZvyagln
DATE OF(Prior to May)
APPRAISAL OF
reliable source
Followingerbatim translation of an article titledUse of Surface Vessels in Modern Navalritten by Hear-Admiral N. Zvyagln.
This article appeared ln1 Second Issuepecial version of Voyennaya Mysl (Military Thought) which is classified TOP SECRET by the Soviets and is Issued irregularly. It Is distributed only within the Ministry of Defense down to the level of Army Commander.
The important Qualitative changes taking place in ths armed forcesesult of their being equipped vith the newest combat weapons have changed the role and place in war not only of tbe types of armed forces, but also of the srms of forces and troops. Tn our Navy these changes are apparent primarily in tbat theIs becoming the basic striking force of the Ravy.l
In this connection, various views are expressed as to the role end position to be occupied by surface vessels In modern naval operations. Often opinions are voiced to the effect that surface vessels have lost their significance, that they will be uselessuture war, and are therefore not needed by the Davy. Thus, there is no apparent need to build nev vessels; one can still use the vessels of various types which still exist as part of the Navy; later, vith the development of submarines, the need for the use of surface vessels In modem naval operations will fall by the wayBide.
Itact that such large ships as battleships, cruisers, and destroyers, to give them their former designation, have completely lost all combat value and have no prospects of being usedaval striking force. The role of the latter has been given to thein foreign navies this role vlll continue to be borne for some time by aircraft carrier striking large units, although even aircraft carriers no longer represent the force they used to be in the not so distant psst (this is why the American high command puts suoh great emphasis on the development of strike submarines).
But, as is well known, the purpose of surface vesssls was not
exclusively to resolve combat missions through the use of large
he navies of ths large capitalist countries have as their basic striking force large units of aircraft carriers, consisting of surface vessels and deck-based aircraft. Tn the near future tbe role of tbe main striking force will be assigned to the missile-carrying nuclear submarines, vhlch are being built at an accelerated pace. The navies of the secondary naval powers are putting greater enphasia on the development of anti-submarine defense, which consists of surface vessels and snti-submsrine aircraft and helicopters.
vessels. An Important role vss played by vessels of other types ln support of the basing end deployment of naval forces, including sub-sarlnes, ln defense of naval communications and of the coastline from attack by enemy surface vessels, sod also in resolving other missions.
Although submarines have become tbe basic arm of forces, tbey cannot always be used without the participation of other srma of naval forces. Submarines need support in their basing and deployment and, prlmsrily, must be defended agsinst enemy submarines- Of ill the currently available forces sod resources, speclsl surfsce vessels are the most effective solution to these missions. In addition, there are eome missions which in effect cannot be solved at all by other naval forces without surface vessels.
Therefore, ve feel that although surface vessels no longer have the basle role in the Navy, they stillery Important psrt of it.
The missions of surface vessels under modern conditions have essentially changed. As already stated, in tbe neer future the basic striking force of our probable enemy's Navy will be mlesils-carrylng nuclear submarines. As the number of suoh submarines increases, the threat of the infliction of their strikes also increases-not only against our naval objectives, but sgalnst important industrial centers situated veil inside our territory, righting against these eneay forces will be conducted by speclsl submarines of the sntisub-msrlne defense, aviatlau,and surfsce vessels.
For the present, as well as in the near future, tbe most effective solution of tbe mission of combat against enemy nuclear submarines can be achieved only tbe complex utilization of all available forces and means. Tracking facilities st present included ln tbe equipment of surface vessels allow search and pursuit of enemy submarines to be conducted with great effectiveness. When surfsce ships are equipped with antiaircraft missiles and helicopters, their potential In cob-batting submarines vlll become even greater. Such an appraisal of Ihe role of surface vessels In combatting enemy submarines is dependent on their sbillty to remain at sea for long periods of time at adistance from land end to reconnoiter large areas of tbe sea in short periods of tine with the help of helicopters.
Tbe dispersed basing of the navel forces, the use of dispersed antUtomlc combat and transit formations, the constant threat from enemy sircraft, submarines, and mines all stipulate the need to give
cover to submarines not only when entering or leaving their bases, but also to cover their deployment for operations in the open sea. Such support will take tbe form of combat with tbe antisubmarine submarines of the enemy which are deployed at the points of emergence of cur submarinesin the narrows as well as along their probable routes to the opennd the detection and destruction of ndnes along the route of passage. Although the antisubmarine submarines snd sircreft will be sble to conduct combat with enemy submarines, surface vessels will play aa important role in this engagement under cover of entiaircreft missile units of the Wavy and the Antlslrcraft Defense of the Country. As fax ea the danger from mines is concerned, lt will be effectively conducted both now snd in the near future only by surface vesselsof lineorces of tbe Bevy, It will be necessary to bring in our miss He-equipped surface vessels to engage with those enemy surface vessels which aro interfering with the deployment of our submarines; for use as protection for vessels of antisubmarine defense, which sre engaged in searching for enemy eubaarlnesonsiderable distance frees shore, snd for dealing with the destruction of enemy landing craft and their support ships.
utureignificant role in support of ground troop operations will be tho providing of see transport of men and materiel, btainting tactical landing operations and disrupting naval comnunicatlons between the enemy's coastal groupings and his rear bases, for the solution of these missions it will be necessary to use, slong with other forces, surface vessels of small displacement. Only surface Teasels of various designation will be able to accomplish such missions as protecting the transport of troops and military equipment, heavy freight, and troop landings.
It will be up to surface vessels equipped with antiaircraft missiles to screen conveys and transports from serial attack during their passage and in msny cases the vessels at their bases.
Surface vessels willefinite role in the laying of antisubmarine and aotllandlng minefields.
Such are the baaic missions which require the use of surface vessels. It is obvious tbat complete solution of these Missions cannot be accomplished by conventionally armed ships. New classes of vessels with modern weapons will be required.
The composition of the Havy must include special vessels of two baaic classes for antisubmarine warfare against enemy submarines;
vessels foroperations, snd vessels for long-rsnge operation. Both classes must have modern bdro-acoustlcsl equipment, powerful antisubmarine weapons, antiaircraft missile weapons, and sntisubaarine helicopters. Withda they will be able to carry out long-range searches and destroy enemy submarines.
Special vessels such ss trawlers, landing craft, and transports vlll be needed for locating and deatroylng mines, and transport of landing parties, troops, and equipment.
Vessels equipped with missiles will cover antisubmarine defense (FLO) vessels against attack by eneay surface vessels, primarily from carrier-borne hunter-killer groups of PLO forces, and will escort convoys and landing parties during their ocean passage.
Antiaircraft defense vessels will be needed to screen PLO vessels, convoys, and landing parties during tbe sea passage and in many cases to protect tbe bases of submarines and other combat vessels against air attack.
The ccndlticns of the use of surface vessels of various types at the present time ore characterised first of all by the fact that It became more difficult for them to defend themselves sgslnst enemy air attacks than previously. Aircraft carrying missiles can use their weapons egalnat surface vessels from distances of much greater range than antiaircraft missiles launched from vessels. For this reason surfsce vessels have practically lost the capacity to defend themselves against air attack and are faced with the necessity of countering airborne missiles of greet speeds, equipped with homing guidance and powerful nuclear charges, sndigh probability of hita.
ie-equipped submarines will present, together withreat menace to surface vessels. Missiles launched by thesehaving the ssme choree tar is tics ss thoee launched by aircraft, will be abla to strike at surface ships under any weather conditions. Fitting Rise lies vith nuclear charges significantly increases ths possibility of destroying surfsce vessels et tbe time when the vesselshaveimited opportunity of defense against this wespoo.
A particularly dangerous enemy of present-day surfsce vessels are nuclear-powered submarines equipped with long-range homing torpedoes and missiles capable of carrying nuclear charges. Nuclear eubnnrines, capableigh degree of concealment,peed about equip to that of tbe fast-moving surfsce vessels. Tn addition.
eubnarinea have ao advantage over surface Teasels in the use of hydro-acoustics. urface vessel can be spottedubnarineuch greater rangsubmarineurfsce vessel. Because of this, submarines ere able to successfully attack surface vessels before being spotted, and can use their weapons mora effectively than tbe surface vessels under attack by subaerines. Bcvadays submarines will not slveys strive to ovoid encounter with surface vessels but willeven attack PLO vesstla.
In many cases, tbe present-day surface vessels will not be sbls to emerge victorious from an engagement vith submarines- Though if still cepsble of carrying out independent combat agelnat conventional diosel submarines, their capacity to effectively search, pursue, snd destroy, or sometimes even to escape from nuclear submarines, is rery limited. These circumstances aede It necessary to equip surface vessels with antisubmarine defense helicopters which nay help to make up the deficiencies of surface vessels in their combat against missile-equipped nuclear submarines.
The potentialities of the mineeapon against surface vesstla have also substantially increased. The present day reaction-surfacing (reoktivno-vsplyvayuehchiy) mines ars equipped with extremely sensitive non-contact detonators; these are based on the principle of exploitation of various physical fields of the vessel, end are adapted for lnatsl-latlonide rsnge of depths. These properties sakeonsiderable increase of tbe areas considered hazardous for surface vessels. Conducting combat with minesheater of operations will take much effort and various combat means will have to be used. This will slao limit tbe possibilities of the use of surfsce vessels fdr the solution of combat missions.
The future saturation of all arms of the navel forces with radio-electronic devices, will create conditions which make it impossible for surface vessels to conceal movement, even under the most sdvan-togeous weather conditions. Surface vessels con be detected by modem reconnaiesence means at any time of day or night and in any part of tba operational theater, and are subject to strikes by nuclear/alsslls weapons whose effectiveness is also Independent of the time of day or night, or of weather conditions.
Tha threat of enemy use of nuclear weapons forces surfsce vessels to sell in dispersed formations. At the same time, due to tbe increase in the firing rangs of submarines, escort vessels must be plsced at much greater distance from tbe escorted forces than in the
past. In order to create the neceBssry conditions for surface vessels for their solution of combat missions/ It will be necessary toconsiderably the number of escort vessels which will have to be placed elong the increased perimeter of the defended area. Practically speaking, however, in an overwhelming majority of cases this will be impossible.
While submarines use cruise missiles against escort vessels and transports, antisubmarine defense vessels will be able atrbest to use only their antiaircraft missiles. They will not slvays bs able to take direct action against the submarine Itself.
The use of improved hoeing devices will effectively Increase the possibilities of destruction of surface vessels by torpedoes launched from submarines snd small surface carriers.
Tho development of radar snd the increase In the maximum effective range of coastal defense weapons in large measure Impedes the approech by surface vessels, evenistsnt approech route to the enemy coast. It has become increasingly difficult to use large vessels In confined theaters of operation; they can be detected by the enemy directly during their departure from their bases. Therefore, ln order to utilise surface vessels effectively for tbe solution of combat missions in the enemy's coastal area, particularly in confined theaters ofet of complex measures for their security will be required.
All of this complicatesarked degree the utilisation of surfacs vassals, sndarge expenditure of forces for the support of their operations,
Hovever, surface vessels which have missiles of various types, sod radioelectronic apparatus. Increase tbe combat capabilities of their Individual classes. Todsy even small vessels equipped with missilea ere capable of combat vith large vesselsreater number of missiles. In eddition, the vessels1 armor and other aeens of protection against nuclear weapons will have practically no bearing on the outcomeombat encounter. This entails theenturies-old principle which maintained that surface vessela can ba used only ln combat against similar or "equivalent strength" (ravnoznaebnyy) vessels. Any vessel, although equipped with the most powerful modern weapons, heavy armor and perfect means of defense, can be destroyed byatrol boot capable of launching missiles. More than that, vessels of smell displacement
which are not easily detected by radar and which, for this reason canarge vessel to within the range of their missiles, will possess important tactical advantages over the enemy.
The vesslestriking force equipped with missiles, will not have toomplicated maneuver in order to take sod hold positions adjusted in relation to the enemy, in order to use their weapons. Approaching and holding the firing position will also dependesser degree on the relative speeds of the vesselsin combat, and their relative disposition.
Equipping vessels with antiaircraft missiles will lessen their dependence on constant air cover provided by land-based fighterwill permit them to'resolve missions outside ccastsl zones of the PVO and to defend themselves from the means of enemy air attack. However, the restricted supply of sntiaircraft missiles elways will be the reason for the ship's limited time at sea.
In organizing tactical coordination between separate tactical groups of aurface vessels, as well as between vessels and eircraft, it will not be necessary to maintain the rigidly prescribedof tactical groups in relation to each other and to the chosen grouping of the enemy, in order tooordinated, concentrated strike against the enemy, it will be sufficient to have only the exact target deaignationsredetermined sequence in the use of weapons by the various tactical groups. Therefore there are wider possibilities of organizing tactical coordination of surface vessels with aircraft in the solution of combat naval actions, in which case the control and guidance of the striking groups of aircraft could be effected from the surface vessels.
The diversity of the missions assigned to surface vessels and the extensiveness of the areas in which armed combat at sea will unfold, dictate the necessity of intensive use of sin-face vesaels throughout the course of the entire war. Furthermore, the intensity of these military operations win vary. It will be highest during tbe initial phase of the war, and also while supporting theof large forces of submarines for operations at sea, and during their return to bases In the later phases of the war. It will also be augmented considerable while enemy submarines are In action against our naval forces and coastal installations.
In this connection it is Important to plan surface vessel operations meticulously and ahead of time and to have the vessels so
located that they Initiate the solution of combat claslooa immediately upoo the outbreak of war. This is particularly true for vessels assigned to operate against eneay missile-carrying submarines snd of missile /essels brought in for protection of operations by PLO vessels.
The distribution of effort, ss well as the content of tho tasks being resolved by surface vessels, will depend in large measure oo the nature of the theater of operations and of the anticipated operations of the enemy.
In open theaters of operetions the basic content of combat operations by surface vessels will be the screening of submarines during their deployment, and engaging in combat with enemy mleslla-csrrylng submarines. ignificant part of the surface vessels' efforts will be expended in supporting the passage of convoys.
In confined theaters of operations, surface vessels willnited number of tasks, the basic ones being tbe defense of naval bases and operations against the enemy's lines of coramunicatloo.
The qualitative composition of surface vesselsleet depends on the nature of the theater of operations. The basic composition of the fleet's surface vessels operstlng in open theaters of operstlons, will consist of antisubmarine defonse vesselside radius of operstloo, sntlslrcraft defense vessels, snd missile ressela. In confined theaters of operstlons, precedence will be given to small PLO vessels, missile patrol boats and smell missile vessels. 1
Let us now examine the methods of combat usa of surface vessels ln the solution of specific combat missions.
Tbe use of surface vessels to support the deployment of submarines, stated above, will be more characteristic of open theaters of operatic* Surface vessels of various types will have an important role ln the solution of this teak, especielly in their coastal tone, where their basic efforts will be required to be concentrated oo the conduct of combat with enemy submarines, snd on removing the threat of mines along the routes of deployment of our submarines. Combat operations of surface vessels will be conducted simultaneously with operetions of antisubmarine aircraft and helicopters, using st the same time various positional resources of the PLO.
or some time, motor-torpedo boots equipped with long-range homing torpedoes will continue to ba of value.
The basic classes of vessels Drought In for operations In coastal waters, will he antisubmarine vessels of short operational range which will be uaed In tactical coordination with other eras of navsl forces, and Bbips of antiaine defense
as the suboarlnee being deployed get further away frca their bases, the composition and the nature of operations of the enemy's forces in action against our submarines win change and, tborefore, there will alsohange in the composition and operations of our forces supporting the deployment. In distant theaters of operations, tbe basic threat to submarines will come from antisubmarine submarines, carrier-borne hunter-killer groups (APUG-evlanoanaya pclskovo-udsrneye gruppa} end antisubmarine aircraft of the enemy. Tn these areas, in contrast with the coastal zone, it will be necessary to conduct combat not only with the enemy's submarine and air forces, but also vith bis surfscepecifically, the APUQ. In this connection, it Is imperative to give the antisubmarine hunter-killer groupssupport byertain number of PVO vessels to them, snd by bringing in missile vessels to screen the groups.
During the conduct of combat against enemy antlaubmsrlne defense forces in the zone of deployment of submarines, the surface vessels must operate in tacticsl groups whose number and composition must be such as to ensure the solution of tbe main mission.
Operations of tactical groups of surface vassals in distant areas ore carried out in close coordinstion with antisubmarine sircraft and antisubmarine submarines, snd are supported by missile vessels snd attack sircraft, snd, whenever necessary, by units of mlsslls troops.
Missile vessels will primarily be used by independent tactical groups operating in the zone of movement of our submarines, or in tho maneuvering area of our surface force grouping- which is carrying out aoarch and destruction of the enemy's antisubmarine submarines.
The operatices of our antisubmarine vessels supporting tbe deployment of submarines will result in the detection, destruction, or forced withdrawal of tbe enemy antisubmarine submarines found in the zone of movement of our submarinesistance exceeding the range of their weapons. These operations will be planned according to the usual tactics of tbe hunter-killer groups used for the detection and destruction of tbe enemy antisubmarine submarines.
In order to limit the possibility of undetected penetration by
enemy antisubmarine submarine* into tbe secure ares in order to attack our submarines, tbe operetions of the vessel hunter-killer groups will have to be supplemented by specially detailed vessels which would set up screens of eonar (radlogidro-akustlcheskiy) buoys on tbe borders of the tone under observation. The operation of these screens, set uphort distance from the coast, will be by sntlsubmarine aircraft and vessels, ss well ss by helicopters based on tbe cosst. reat distance from our coast, this operation vould be done by soma of the helicopters carried by sntlsubmarine vesssls, ss well ss by vessels and aircraft. Enemy submarines detected by tbe sonar buoys must be attacked and destroyed by the vessels, aircraft, and helicoptere detailed for operations ln that area.
During support of submarine deployment, simultaneously with the solution of missions of combat against enemy antisubmarine forces, there will have toearch for and destruction of minea laid along the line of passage of the submarines. Trawlers snd helicopters can be used for this purpose. Special groups must be formed from these, capable of destroying minea In those areas which cannot be bypassed by the submarines.
The use of surface yesBela in combat against enemy missile sub-arlnea will consist of the search and destruction of those sue=nrines, mainly within tha boundaries of the possible firing positions for submarines approaching tbe coast to strike targets situated in the depth of our territory. The use of surface vessels In the outer zone of antisubmarine defense will be limited because of the difficulty ln the matter of their support.
Taking Into account the dispositioneries of objectivae and the capabilities of enemy nlssile submarines, one can assume that the probable areas of their firing positions will be 3CC-JC0ms) from the coast. In these areas, combat against enemy subBArlnes will be carried out primarily by long-range antisubmarine veasels resolving nlssiona in coordination vith antisubmarine sir-craft and submarines, utilizing the systems of antisubmarine surveillance available in the theater of operations.
In open areas, surfsce vessels can resolve the missions of location and destruction of eneay submarines only if they use ths datahe Initial discovery of these submarines obtained by tbe positional resources, t, and helicopters. The operations of the sntlsubmarine vessels must be organized ln conjunction with the
operations and disposition cd* these capabilities.
Unilateral operations by surface vessels Id locating enemy missile submarines in open areas yIU be extremely Ineffective, since missile submarines,ydrcecoustlcal detection system of vlder range than surface vessels and the capability of the same speed, can avoid any encounters. In addition to this, having weapons with an effective firing range equal to the range of detection of the surface vessels, the submarines csn destroy them before they themselves are detected.
In this connection, snd considering tbe present capabilities of surfsce vessels In combat with atomic submarines, vhlch maneuver over vide areas, the former can be counted uponeel force only if they operatenified system of antisubmarine defenseiven theater of operations, aa one of Its components.
Surfsce vessels csn successfully conduct unilateral combat operations sgainst nuclear submarines when the latter are trying to break through narrows, when the possibility of dispatching forces for detection purposes can realistically bs expected to meet with the necessary success, and when the enemy submarines must operateimited area.
Inasmuch as the length of stay at sea of the tactical groups of vessels of the PLO is insignificant, due to the limited supply of antiaircraft missiles on their escort vessels, they will for the time being be able to go out into distant areas only periodically, for resolving missions of locating and deatroylng those enemy missile submarines which have been detected through other means within the limits of the sea zone of antisubmarine defense. As antisubmarine defense vessels are equipped with an increased number of antiaircraft missiles end as more antiaircraft defense vessels Join their ranks, their use for operations in distant areas for continuous long periods of time will be increased.
On the whole, tbe operations of surface vessels far removedheir cosst will have an Important bearing on tbe general system of combat with enemy missile submarines. Their use in those areas will increase significantly tbe effectiveness of sntlBubmarine defense, and willubstantial sddltlon to the operations ofsubmarines and antisubmarine defense aircraft.
In the coastal zone (pribrezhnayamall surfsce vessels
of PLO will be used to good advantage for locating and destroying enemy submarines They will fulfil their missions ln coordination with aircraft of tha antisubmarine defense snd shore-based helicopters, and will be supportedide-range (razvernvtyy) observation system consisting of various forms of fixed resources*
Operations of tbe forces of antisubmarine defense ln tbe near zone (bllzhnsyan polar areas, and st the edge of Ice, will be conducted systematically.
The joint search for enemy submarines by antisubmarine Teasels and helicopters can be carried out within the borders of tbe coastal zone of tbe PLO by using land-based helicopters. Tn the Arctic the range of combined operstlons by vessels and helicopters can beincreased by setting up helicopter bases on the Ice.
It Is necessary to use helicopter-carrying vessels for locating submarines ln distant and open water areas. However, since helicoptersimited load-lifting capacity and range of operations, they can be fitted only with equipment for finding submarinesomparatively abort range from the parent vessels. As for the destruction of submarines, the solution of this task presents well-known difficulties for ballcopters, since they srs incapable of carrying the necessary torpedoes or bombs. For this reason, it will be necessary in tba near future to use helicopters together with antisubmarine vessels vhlch are capable of carrying large supplies of submarine destruction weapons for long periods of time.
The hunt for enemy submarines can be carried out by groups of surface vessels with special equipment enabling tbem to detect the positionubmarine by the column of ionized gases at tbe moment of launching of tbe ballistic missile. These vessels must have long range antisubmarine missiles ln order to be able to destroy tbe submarine. Tbe groups of vessels set asideunt by the method stated will be deployed ln tbe sreas assigned to then inay that they can effect an overlap of detection along tbe entire zone of poeeible firing positions of the enemy submarines. The distance between groups of vessels must be suchetected submarine can be destroyed by antisubmarine missiles at any point of tbe observed area. The operations of vesselsubmarine hunt based on detection of tbe column of ionized exhaust gases of the missiles will be carried on lr coordination with shore installations established for the ssme purpose.
Tha hunt for enemy missile submarines by ships of tbe PLO con
carried on with the aid of the fixed hydros coust leal observation systems or with sonar buoys set out by vessele end aircraft. Surface vessels, utilising ths InfcrsBtlon on detected submarines as it corns in through the fixed hydroaccuatlcsl neens of detection, can then go to the area where the submarines have been detected, and locate and pursue then.
In coastal tone operations, surface vessels can execute the hunt when called upon on the basis of primary data received from the fixed hydroscouatleal systems of submarine detection. In addition, surface vessels can be used for petrol searches (kontrolnyy poisk) of those submarines which have penetrated Into tbe coastal sons*
*a>
In solving, clsalono concerning the defense of naval caamunlcatlon lines, surface vessels will be used for tbe protection of noring convoys against attacks from submarines, aircraft, surfsce vessels, and mines, various classes of surface vessels will constitute the basis of naval forces assigned to defend communication lines, this Is due to their ability to stay et sea for long periods of time, their readiness to repel enemy attacks under difficult weather conditions and thoir scceptanceignificant part of the effort in carrying out antisubmarine, antiaircraft, and antimina defense of convoys during their see passage.
Surface vessels assigned for antisubmarine, antiaircraft, and antimine defense will resolve their missions primarily by tha method of direct defense of ths transports.
The antisubmarine defense of the convoys must be so arranged as to secure their defense from both porpedces and missile weapons from submarines.
The.antiaircraft defense cf the convoys In coastal areas, mat be effected by the troops of PVO of tbe Country, elded by vessels of antiaircraft defense. There willpecial need for tbe use of PVO antiaircraft vesaals in tbe next few years for the protection of convoys moving beyond the areas of responsibility of the troops of PVO of the Country.
The convoys will be able toay from tbe coast only In the company of PVO vessels carrying powerful antiaircraft ndsBilo weapons. In this connection, the duration of their =cveaent sutside ths tone of responsibility of the troops of PVO of tbe Country will depend primarily on the presence of PVO vessels within the composition of the convoys, and on the number of antiaircraft missiles which can
In operations beyond the cceetel zone of PVO, the PVO vessels vlll be Included for the moot part ln tbe composition of the convoys,-Included ln the genersl combat format ions with then.
In many cases the PVO vessels, jointly with other PVO forces snd resourcescmmoo plan, will be used for defense of the basing and assembly points of the convoys. Specifically, they can ba used for radar surveillanceaval sector, as well as for reinforcing units of troope of PVO of the Country which protect Installations of the navy. This willonsiderable increase in the depth of tbe PVO points of basing and communication linesaval sector. In newly created basing points where fixed PVO means have not yet been doployed, PVO vessels might be the only means of combatting the enemy In the air.
In open theaters of operations missile vessels will have to be detailed for screening convoys against possible strikes by enemy surface vessels. Inasmuch as the convoys make their long distance passages slowly andonsiderable distance from shore. These vessels can be merged into Independent groups. When multi-purpose missile vesoels are used to reinforce tha PVO of convoys part of them can proceed In the same formation vith the transports.
In ooofined theaters of operations, missile vessels will not be used ss often for screening tbe convoys, since tola mission can be resolved for tbe main part by missile troops and naval aviation.
The use of surface vessels in srttlmine defense will consist of the detection and destruction of mines in the-areas of bases and of operations of submarines and surface vessels, ss well aa along the routes of convoys. Inshore the sesrch for mines will be carried out by search vesselsointly with tbe coastal and sea-going resources of FMO. in areas fsr removed from the coast, this mission con be resolved only by means of vessels.
In their search for mines In coastal areas where the places ofare determined by shore-based or floating poets of anti-mine detection, tbe search vessels must move into tbe places Indicated by these posts, andearch for the mines. Tbe destruction of the mines located will be done by special vessels guided by the search vessels.
Ths use of surface vessels in support of ground troops will
depend cm the missions being performed by the latter. Surface vessels can be used for landing operations and for the protection of flanks and certain installations In the reararitime front, against operations of enemy das He vessels, including patrol boats.
In landing operations tbe basic mission of surface vessels consists of the transportation and unloading of heavy equipment in the landing sector. This mission is resolved by special landing craft whose operations are supported by missile vessele and vessels of the PLO, PVO, and PHO. The operations of the PVO vessels have an especially important role. As they follow the overall route end combat formations of tha landing craft, they give cover from air strikes to the landing parties during sea passage, during the landing operation, anduntil the deployment of antiaircraft missile units on shore; they will also protect the actual points of landing.
Missile vessels, especially patrol boats (kater. /ill be used extensively to cover the landing force during their transport at sea, from enemy missile vessels. In many cases these vessels can be marged into detachments of fixe support vesselstryad korablcyognevcypodderzhki) assigned specific targets on shore, in the interests of the support of the landing operations.
Missile vessels and petrol boats will play an important role in the resolution of missions for the destruction of coastel ccaaainlcotion lines serving the enemy's maritime groupings of troops. In addition, missile vessels can be used for tho destruction of enemy surface vessels supporting ground troops vhlch are situated ctr.side the range of fixe of the coastal, short-range missile complexes.
In resolving missions for the support of troops carrying out a defensive action on shore, missile vessels, especially petrol boats, will participate in tbe destruction of enemy vessels and landing force transports as they approach the defended coast* they will also participate in the destruction of the vessels protecting the enemy's landing operations, above all tha PVO and PLO vessels.
The operations of missile vessels covering the troops on shore who are on tho defensive against the enemy strikes from the sea are carried out In coordination with units of missile troops of the Navy. They will consist mainly of periodical patrolling by groups of vessels close inshore in order to detect and destroy enemy missile vessels attempting to penetrate areas not monitored by units of tba missile troops of tbe Navy.
The use of nuclear/missHe weapons has had Its direct effect oo the development of such arms of naval forces as surfsce vessels. Having lost their role as the basic naval striking force, <m urface Teasels have become an integral part of the support forces and have retained the capacity to resolve certain other missions.
Equipping surface vessels with cruise and antiaircraft missiles, vith modern means of antisubmarine defense end installing nev engines-steam-turbine end nuclear-willider use of surface vessels. Hew surface vessels will be eble to stay sway from their basesong period of time and, operatingignificantly long range from their coast, they will be able to perform various Important combat missions.
uture war, the use of surface vessels of various classes in coordination with other anna of the naval forces will give reliable support to submarine operations and will result ln the more effective performance of combat missions against missile submarines of the enemy, as wellore successful defense of the basing areas of navel forces.
-IT-
Original document.
Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: