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Up Periscope: The Expansion of Submarine Capabilities in the Asia-Pacific Region

Oct 2007, Vol. 152, No. 5
By Andrew Davies

In an arc extending from Pakistan and India through South-east Asia and up to Japan, there is a striking modernization and expansion of military capabilities underway. As well as indigenous development projects, off-the-shelf purchases of military hardware and expertise are seeing a range of countries make great strides in enhancing their ability to defend themselves and to project power beyond their boundaries.

At the forefront of these developments is the acquisition and development of modern submarines. Submarines are particularly attractive because they combine (relative) affordability with high military and strategic impact. Able to be fitted with a wide range of weapons and sensors and operating in an environment that remains largely opaque, submarines are stealthy and powerful assets.