Originally Posted by
Asturias56
WEBF - I struggle with the idea that any future conflict will involve convoys across the Atlantic - IF it stays non-nuclear any conflict in Europe will still only last a few weeks
This isn't 1940
I was thinking more of the reinforcements moving by sea across the Atlantic, or amphibious operations. See the
scenario in the Fire and Ice paper from the Human Security Centre. The chapters 'The Modern Strategic Context' and 'A New NATO Maritime Strategy' are of particular interest. The NATO 'four thirties' plan is very dependent on crisis response shipping, with naval protection. There are
RN personnel involved in planning for Exercise
Steadfast Defender 21:
Across the Atlantic, nestled within the largest naval city in the world, is Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk, NATO’s newest operational command.
The command was created in response to NATO’s 2018 review and adaptation of its command structure that identified the Alliance’s need for a stronger linkage between Europe and North America, in response to increasing threats within the North Atlantic region.
Having achieved initial operational capability in September 2020 and programmed to reach full operational capability (FOC) at the end of 2021, JFC Norfolk is taking on a core-coordinating role in assuring the security of the Strategic Lines of Communication across the Euro-Atlantic area, through the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap and into the Arctic.
----
As a SHAPE-sponsored operational and tactical level live exercise, STDE21 will train and evaluate a wide range of NATO and national force elements. Focused on the reinforcement of continental Europe from North America, NATO will exercise its ability to secure the Strategic Lines of Communication which link our continents.
Originally Posted by etudiant
Australia is discovering that China can signal displeasure very strongly just by not buying stuff.
Given the ongoing industrial production shifts to Asia from the West, China will add the capacity to halt shipments of manufactured goods for even greater effect.
Guarding empty ships does not seem a useful role in that scenario.
Why would empty ships be sailing?