ABSTRACT
This chapter examines one possible mechanism to enhance available capabilities, namely the concept of force multipliers. It highlights and examines some of the small-navy-centric issues. The ability to generate and sustain forces restricts persistence and redundancy. It is in the space between aspirations and hard reality that the concept of the force multiplier appears to offer solutions. From a purely theoretical perspective, the amplification of effects that force multipliers offer appear to represent a ‘silver bullet’ solution to the challenges facing small navies. Unmanned systems are perhaps the most contemporary manifestation of a tangible force multiplier. Intangible force multipliers generally consist of organisational and administrative measures. Force multipliers can fail to produce the expected improvements or indeed have unintended negative effects. As all navies face a future with ever more challenges and limited resources, there can be little doubt that the role of force multipliers will become more prominent.
