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Sea Control

Sea Control 558 - The Proliferation of Drones in Naval Warfare with Tuneer Mukherjee

Dec 19, 2024
Tuneer Mukherjee, an independent researcher specializing in Asian security studies, joins to discuss the rising influence of drones in naval warfare. He delves into the innovative 'Hellscape' strategy aimed at deterring Chinese aggression in Taiwan with drone swarms. The conversation highlights the impact of autonomous systems on U.S. naval capabilities and strategic responses in the Taiwan Strait. Mukherjee also explores lessons from Ukraine's use of UAVs, predicting a shift towards smaller, multi-mission vessels in future naval confrontations.
33:13

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Hellscape strategy illustrates a paradigm shift towards using unmanned systems to enhance deterrence and disrupt enemy invasions in naval warfare.
  • The global proliferation of drones necessitates reevaluation of naval strategies and force structures, aiming for a future fleet heavily composed of unmanned vessels.

Deep dives

Understanding the Hellscape Strategy

The Hellscape strategy, articulated by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command leaders, outlines a counter-invasion response to a possible Chinese attack on Taiwan. It envisions transforming the Taiwan Strait into a domain swarming with unmanned systems to complicate and overwhelm Chinese military operations. The aim is to create a significant deterrent effect that would inflict high casualties on invading forces, ultimately buying time for U.S. and allied military assets to mobilize for a counter-invasion. This concept has shifted from theoretical deterrence messaging to a more concrete strategic approach within the U.S. Department of Defense.

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