ABSTRACT
The main feature of a well-planned and conducted strike is shortness of action - often measured in minutes - swift and skillful maneuvering of platforms and almost simultaneous employment of weapons, specifically missiles and/or torpedoes, against the perceived weaknesses in the target defenses. A strike can be carried out by using missiles, torpedoes, guns, bombs or their combination. In a combined strike, the longer-range weapons are used first to weaken the enemy's defenses, followed by the employment of short-range weapons to finish off the target. A wellprepared and skillfully executed strike could quickly and decisively defeat the opponent. In general, the success of one's strike can be anticipated with a higher degree of certainty than a naval battle. Its importance is likely to increase as the new, ever-longer-range, more precise, and more lethal weapons are introduced. A strike in a typical narrow sea may well replace a naval battle as the principal method of employment of coastal navies to accomplish major tactical objectives.
