Green-water navy

A green-water navy is a naval term that refers to a naval force based around a coastal or littoral capability.Fact|date=February 2007 This is a relatively new terminology, as non blue-water navies used to be collectively referred to as brown-water navy.

Generally speaking, a blue-water navy is one with over-sea power-projection capability, preferably with aircraft carriersFact|date=February 2007 to provide air cover. Green-water navies have ships of corvette-class or better, and can operate in coastal (littoral) and regional area.Fact|date=February 2007 However, green-water navies usually lack aircraft carriers, and must depend on land-based aircraft for protection.

Green-water navies might be capable of sending a few ships overseas on friendly visits, or even joint-exercise with other navies. But they lack the ability for sustained long-distance combat operations.Fact|date=February 2007 The Royal Netherlands Navy is changing its role from national defence to intervention. The navies of Australia, Brazil and Canada have some expeditionary capabilities that they are strengthening [Warship 2006, Conway's Maritime Press - World Navies in Review 2006)] . The Republic of Korea Navy [ [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/navy.htm "Global Security"] report on RoK Navy] aims to operate a blue-water navy by 2020. It has embarked upon an ambitious construction programme, with the Dokdo Class Amphibious Ship commissioned in 2007.

ee also

*Maritime geography
*Blue-water navy
*Brown-water navy

References