Soviet naval operational art

Abstract

The Soviet theory of naval operational art is a body of knowledge which focuses the tactical capabilities of the Soviet Navy on achieving the strategic missions assigned them by the leadership of the Soviet Union. This body of knowledge guides the creation and execution of Soviet naval operations. Soviet military science establishes the theoretical foundation for the conduct of independent naval operations. Soviet troop control creates the planning processes by which Soviet naval commanders prepare for combat operations. Western analysis of the Soviet Navy has long neglected the Soviet theory of naval operational art. As a result, several unique characteristics of Soviet naval operations may be overlooked by Western naval officers. This research has found that the Soviet naval planning process is in many ways identical to that of the Soviet ground forces. This work also attempts to explain the role of the independent naval operation in the Soviet view of war. Finally, several analytical tools are suggested which may be employed to explore Soviet views on the conduct of naval operations. The topic of Soviet naval operational art presents many opportunities for future research.