ShipCalculators.com

Power Projection

E2. Naval, defence and maritime law enforcement

Definition

Naval employment of force ashore.

The ability to deploy and sustain military force at a distance from home territory to influence events overseas. From the sea, power projection means strike from carrier air and land-attack missiles (such as the Tomahawk), amphibious landing, and forward presence, supported by afloat logistics. It is a defining capability of a blue-water navy and a core function in maritime strategy, distinct from sea control (securing use of an area) and sea denial (preventing an opponent’s use). Few navies sustain global projection.

Source: Naval-strategy concept (power projection); US tri-service maritime strategy functions (forward presence, projection).