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A blue-water navy is a Navy capable of operating globally, essentially across the deep waters of open . While definitions of what actually constitutes such a force vary, there is a requirement for the ability to exercise sea control at long range.
The term "blue-water navy" is a maritime geographical term in contrast with "brown-water navy" (littoral waters and near to shore) and "green-water navy" (near to shore and open oceans).
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency of the United States has defined the blue-water navy as "a maritime force capable of sustained operation across the deep waters of open oceans. A blue-water navy allows a country to power projection far from the home country and usually includes one or more aircraft carriers. Smaller blue-water navies are able to dispatch fewer vessels abroad for shorter periods of time."
A blue-water navy implies force protection from underwater warfare, surface warfare, and aerial warfare threats and a sustainable logistic reach, allowing a persistent presence at long range. A hallmark of a true blue-water navy is the ability to conduct replenishment at sea (RAS), and the commissioning of underway replenishment ships is a strong sign of a navy's blue-water ambitions. While a blue-water navy can project sea control power into another nation's littoral waters, it remains susceptible to threats from less capable forces (asymmetric warfare). Maintenance and logistics at range have high costs, and there might be a saturation advantage over a deployed force through the use of land-based air or surface-to-surface missile assets, diesel-electric submarines, or asymmetric tactics with fast attack craft (FAC). An example of this vulnerability was the October 2000 USS Cole bombing in Aden.
The term 'blue-water navy' should not be confused with the capability of an individual ship. For example, vessels of a green-water navy can often operate in blue water for short periods of time. A number of nations have extensive maritime assets but lack the capability to maintain the required sustainable logistic reach. (2013). 9781135953942, Routledge. ISBN 9781135953942 Some of them join coalition task groups in blue-water deployments such as anti-piracy patrols off Somalia.
In their 2012 publication, " Sea Power and the Asia-Pacific", professors Geoffrey Till and Patrick C. Bratton outlined what they termed as "concise criteria" with regard to the definitions of brown-, green- and blue-water navies. Quote; " ...a brown-water navy standing for a navy capable of defending its coastal zones, a green-water navy for a navy competent to operate in regional sea and finally a blue-water navy described as a navy with capability to operate across the deep waters." They go on to say that even with such a definition and understanding of naval hierarchy, it is still "ambiguous". For example, while France and the United States may be considered blue-water navies, he states that the "operational capability and geographic reach of both navies are definitely different."
Another definition states that 'brown-water' refers to the littoral areas within 100 of the coastline. 'Green-water' begins from 100 nautical miles out to the next major land formation, while 'blue-water' is the ability to project force out to at least 1,500 nautical miles beyond the coast. (2007). 9781134074662, Routledge. ISBN 9781134074662 Traditionally a distinction used to be made between a coastal brown-water navy operating in the littoral to 200 nautical miles (or 370 ) and an oceangoing blue-water navy. However, the United States Navy created a new term, green-water navy, to replace the term 'brown-water navy' in US Navy parlance.U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Mullen pointed out in an interview with KQV (Pittsburgh): "We are looking at, in addition to the blue-water ships which I would characterize and describe as our aircraft carriers and other ships that support that kind of capability, we're also looking to develop capability in what I call the green-water and the brown-water, and the brown-water is really the rivers . . . These are challenges we all have, and we need to work together to ensure that the sea lanes are secure." FC KQV RADIO (PITTSBURGH) INTERVIEW WITH JOE FENN MAY 19, 2006 Today, a brown-water navy has come to be known as a predominantly riverine and littoral zone force.
Despite the above, however, there is no agreed definition of the term.
Since 2008, the PLAN has conducted anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden on a continuous basis.
In a 2013 report to Congress, defense experts also asserted that over the coming decades, China would gain the capability to project power across the globe – similar to Britain's 1982 Falklands War. In 2015, Todd and Lindberg's classification system put the PLAN was a rank four "regional power projection navy".
In 2020, assessments by the United States Naval Institute indirectly considered the Chinese Navy as a blue-water navy in all but its name, coining them "in terms of modern warships and submarines, China far outstrips any erstwhile naval competitors, except for the United States." In 2025, China conducted naval exercises in the Tasman Sea, which has been viewed by analysts as evidence of their blue-water navy capabilities.
The navy operates a single nuclear-powered aircraft carrier () which forms the centrepiece of the Navy's principal expeditionary task group (known as the Aeronaval Group). In addition to this, the navy maintains a secondary Amphibious Group (known as Le Groupe Amphibie) based around the s. Both these formations are part of the Force d'action navale (or Naval Action Force). The Forces sous-marines operates four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and six nuclear-powered . France retains a network of overseas naval facilities around the world; from Fort-de-France in the Caribbean, to Le Port, Réunion in the Indian Ocean, Papeete in the Pacific and in several other parts of the world too, including the Gulf, South Atlantic and the Western Pacific. The overseas military installations of the Member States of the European Union, uroparl.europa.eu, Published 2009, Retrieved 26 June 2014
The navy's operational duties include the protection of French interests abroad and the security of the nation's many overseas departments and territories, as such the Navy undertakes a number of standing commitments worldwide. French Navy official website, defense.gouv.fr
India initially outlined its intentions of developing blue-water capabilities under the 2007 Maritime Capabilities Perspective Plan, with the navy's priority being the projection of "power in India's area of strategic interest", the Indian Ocean Region. India's Military Modernization: Plans and Strategic Underpinnings, Gurmeet Kanwal, September 24, 2012 Since 2007 the navy has increased its presence in the Persian Gulf and the Horn of Africa to the Strait of Malacca, and routinely conducts anti-piracy operations and partnership building with other navies in the region. It also conducts routine two to three month-long deployments in the South and East China seas as well as the western Mediterranean simultaneously. The navy has a listening post in Madagascar.
India inducted its first aircraft carrier in 1961, and the navy has ever since operated two independent carrier task forces. After and were decommissioned, the country's strike force currently centers on the two carrier battle groups: , and a new indigenous aircraft carrier, commissioned in September 2022, restoring India's two-carrier capability. The Indian Navy also possesses an amphibious transport dock, , and currently operates 3 Arihant-class indigenously developed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine with one more under construction, along with leasing one nuclear-powered attack submarine and has many more ships of different types planned or under construction.
As of June 2024 the Italian Navy has deployed a Carrier Strike Group, based on the Cavour (CVH 550) STOVL aircraft carrier (with F-35B on board), for a five-months deployment to the Indo-Pacific region, reaching Singapore, Australia, Japan and the Philippines. Italian Navy will also participate to the Exercise RIMPAC, the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise.
The Royal Navy supports a number of standing commitments worldwide on a continuous basis and maintains an expeditionary task force known as the Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime) (JEF (M)). The Royal Navy Submarine Service operates four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and seven nuclear-powered and which operate globally. p. 45 (The Submarine Service) The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) maintains a number of ships which support Royal Navy operations globally by resupplying personnel, food, water, armament and fuel to their ships. The RFA also augment the Royal Navy's amphibious landing capabilities by operating the . The Royal Fleet Auxiliary – Delivering Maritime Operational Support , rusi.org, Published 2011, Retrieved 26 June 2014 The Royal Fleet Auxiliary – Adding Value to UK Defence , rusi.org, Published 2011, Retrieved 26 June 2014 The United Kingdom maintains five overseas naval facilities, including a naval support facility, named the British Defence Singapore Support Unit, in Sembawang, Singapore in the Far East. House of Commons Hansard Written Answers (publications.parliament.uk) 17 June 2013
The U.S. Naval War College identifies the Royal Navy's tasks as fighting wars, conducting distant expeditions, maintaining good order at sea and preventing and deterring conflict. As such, the Navy views the retention of its "world-class" high-end disciplines in anti-air and anti-submarine warfare as strategically important. The Royal Navy has shown many examples of its expeditionary capabilities since World War II, such as the Korean War, the 1982 Falklands War, the 1990–91 Gulf War, Sierra Leone, the War in Afghanistan, the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and during the 2011 military intervention in Libya.
The USN maintains eleven carrier strike groups (centered on the and s), of which six are deployed or ready for deployment within 30 days, and two ready for deployment within 90 days under the Fleet Response Plan (FRP). The USN also maintains a continuous deployment of nine expeditionary strike groups that embark a Marine Expeditionary Unit with an Aviation Combat Element on amphibious warfare ships. Status of the U.S Navy The US Military Sealift Command is the largest of its kind in the world and is responsible for delivering military transport and ship replenishment around the globe. Military Sealift Command , msc.navy.mil, Retrieved 23 June 2014
The US Navy has shown countless examples of its blue-water combat capabilities and has the ability to power projection onto the littoral zone of the world, engage in forward areas during peacetime, and rapidly respond to regional crises. Some examples of such are World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War.
The United States Coast Guard, while not technically a navy, is also a blue-water naval force capable of deploying to waters throughout the world.
While considered to be a green-water navy, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is undergoing transition to develop blue-water capabilities. It began in 1981 when Prime Minister Zenkō Suzuki put forward a new doctrine requiring the JMSDF to expand its operations by 1,000 miles for defense of the nation's sea lines of communication. To respond to the growing blue-water requirements, the JMSDF has been developing impressive capabilities, most notably the creation of destroyer flotillas centered on large helicopter destroyers (such as the Hyūga-class helicopter carrier) and large Aegis-equipped destroyers. The first Japanese post-WWII overseas naval air facility was established next to Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport; it supports a number of Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft. It was then decided to operate F-35B fighters on board the Izumo-class, a development of the Hyūga-class, and by July 2021 JS Izumo had completed modifications for this purpose, followed by an operational test using the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B in October.
The Republic of Korea Navy also has ambitions to develop blue-water capabilities. "김대통령, 해군사관학교 졸업 및 임관식 참석말씀" . Kim Dae-jung Presidential Library Official Website. Retrieved March 12, 2007. In 2001, the South Korean President, Kim Dae-jung, announced plans to build a "Strategic Mobile Fleet". The plan includes the construction of up to three s, with a ski-jump for the operation of V/STOL jet fighters being considered for the second vessel currently under construction. S. Korea Envisions Light Aircraft Carrier , defensenews.com, 26 October 2013 On 3 December 2021 the National Assembly passed the budget to fund a fixed-wing aircraft carrier tentatively named CVX-class aircraft carrier capable of operating F35B, expected to enter operations possibly as early as 2033.Dominguez, Gabriel & Dae Young Kim (24 February 2021). "South Korea to begin work on light aircraft carrier in 2022". www.janes.com. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
The Brazilian Navy is experiencing a "shift in maritime priorities" with ambitions of developing a blue-water navy. While the navy maintains a mix of capabilities enabling it to operate in the wider South Atlantic Ocean, the Brazilian government wishes to be recognized as "the leading maritime power in the Southern Hemisphere" and is seeking to develop a modern naval shipbuilding industry.
The Iranian Navy aims to develop blue-water capabilities: in July 2016, it announced plans to establish a presence in the Atlantic Ocean, and as of May 2021 has sent ships into the region.
Classification and naval hierarchy
There have been many attempts by naval scholars and other authorities to classify world navies, including; Michael Morris, (2014). 9781472417619, Ashgate Publishing. ISBN 9781472417619 British naval historians Eric Grove and Professor Geoffrey Till, French strategist Hervé Coutau-BégarieHervé Coutau-Bégarie, Traité de stratégie, (Economica: Paris 2002). pp 617-621 and professors Daniel Todd and Michael Lindberg. All identify basic common criteria for gauging the capability of navies, such as; total displacement and number of ships; modernity and power of weapons and systems; logistical and geographic reach with capacity for sustained operations; and the professional qualifications/disposition of sailors.
The table below shows the world naval hierarchy according to the classification system by professors Daniel Todd and Michael Lindberg. Their system originates from 1996 and outlines ten ranks, distinguished by capability. Since then it has been used by various other experts to illustrate the subject. (2006). 9781134203956, Routledge. ISBN 9781134203956 According to Todd and Lindberg, a "blue-water navy" is one that can project any sort of power beyond its own territorial waters. However they used the principle of loss of strength gradient and other criteria to distinguish navies by capability under the four "blue-water" ranks. The six ranks of "Non blue-water navies" can be further broken down into "green-water" and "brown-water navies", and according to Todd and Lindberg, these are navies only capable of operating as coastal defence forces, coast guards or riverine forces.
+ World Naval Hierarchy, according to the Todd & Lindberg classification system (c.2015) China, Indian Navy, Italian Navy, Japan, Russian Navy Australia, Brazilian Navy, Egyptian Navy, German Navy, Netherlands, South Korea, Spanish Navy 
/ref> and othersCambodia, Cyprus, the Philippines, and others Bolivia, Burundi, Paraguay, and many others Many examples worldwide
Overseas basing
Historically, and to present day, blue-water navies have tended to establish overseas bases to extend the reach of supply lines, provide repair facilities and enhance the "effective striking power" of a fleet beyond the capabilities provided by the nation's homeports. Generally, these overseas bases are located within areas where potential conflicts or threats to the nation's interests may arise. For example, since World War II the Royal Navy and later the United States Navy have continued to base forces in Bahrain for operations in the Persian Gulf. The military importance and value of overseas basing is primarily dependent on geographical location. A base located at in narrow or enclosed seas can be of high value, especially if positioned near, or within striking distance of an enemy's sea lines of communications. However advanced operating bases ( or forward operating bases) can be equally as valuable. Naval Station Pearl Harbor acts as a "gateway" for the US Navy to "operate forward" in the Pacific Ocean. CNO Sees Hawaii as 'Gateway' to Operate Forward, navy.mil, 1/20/2012
Examples
These are examples of navies that have been described by various defense experts or academics as being blue-water navies. Some have successfully used their blue-water capabilities to exercise control on the high seas and from there have projected power into other nations' littoral zone. (2007). 9780742533332, Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 9780742533332 However, there is no agreed upon definition among authorities as to what constitutes a blue-water navy. (2012). 9789382573289, Vij Books India Pvt Ltd. ISBN 9789382573289
China
The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is subject to a variety of assessments regarding its capabilities. China's ambition from a green-water navy to blue-water capabilities received much attention, particularly from the United States CongressRonald O'Rourke, "China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities—Background and Issues for Congress", December 10, 2012, page 7 and Department of Defense, with both acknowledging that China's primary aim was to project power in the First and Second island chains.
France
The French Navy is recognised as being a blue-water navy by various experts and academics. According to professors Daniel Todd and Michael Lindberg, the French Navy is a rank two "limited global-reach power projection navy". (2026). 9783662471272, Springer. ISBN 9783662471272
India
The Indian Navy is unique among Asian navies due to its long experience in carrier power projection since 1961. (2012). 9781107661691, Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9781107661691 (2015). 9781782544210, Edward Elgar Publishing. ISBN 9781782544210 This, according to Dr. George J. Gilboy and political scientist Eric Heginbotham, gives the Indian Navy the "leading power projection capability in the region". The Indian Navy is also the only Asian navy considered to be a rank three "multi-regional power projection navy" per Todd and Lindberg's classification system. In his discussion paper for Consultancy Africa Intelligence, Greg Ryan asserts that in recent years, the Indian Navy has emerged as a "global power in the blue water sense".
Italy
The Italian Navy was categorised as a "regional blue-water navy" in Liu Huaqing's Memoirs (1994), The Chinese Navy: Expanding Capabilities, Evolving Roles?, 2012 (Footnote no. 16, page 139) and as a rank three "multi regional power projection navy" by Professors Daniel Todd and Michael Lindberg in 1996. In the former 1989 publication " The Atlantic Alliance and the Middle East", Joseph I. Coffey asserted that Italy's blue-water capabilities didn't extend beyond the Mediterranean sea. Today the navy possesses two ( and Trieste, with being retired in 2024).
The Marina Militare routinely deploys to the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf as part of multinational anti-piracy missions such as Operation Ocean Shield and Operation Atalanta, Marina Militaire – Operations, marina.difesa.it, (In Italian) and is capable of deploying a carrier battle group in support of NATO or EU operations such as during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001) and EU Navfor Med (European migrant crisis). In 2015 scholar Sarah Kirchberger mentioned Italy as a blue-water navy capable of operating in the high seas far from its home.
Russia
The Soviet Navy maintained naval forces able to rival those of the United States; however, following the end of the Cold War and dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian Navy experienced a severe decline due to lack of funding. (2000). 9781860644856, I.B.Tauris. ISBN 9781860644856 By the late 1990s, there was little tangible evidence of Russian blue-water capability. It was not until 2007, under President Vladimir Putin, that "naval ambition broadened in scope and aimed at re-creating a large blue-water navy". (2026). 9781136316968, Routledge. ISBN 9781136316968 Today, the Russian Navy is considered to be a rank 3 "multi-regional power projection navy" by Todd and Lindberg's classification system. The Russian Navy has also been described as a blue-water navy by British naval historian Professor Geoffrey Till.
United Kingdom
The Royal Navy is considered to be a blue-water navy by naval experts and academics. This position has been further cemented with the introduction of two new s, eighteen new frigates (8 Type 26, 5 Type 31, and 5 Type 32), and other warships currently being procured. A term used commonly in the United Kingdom is that the Royal Navy maintains a maritime expeditionary capability. According to Todd and Lindberg's classification system, the Royal Navy is a rank two "limited global-reach power projection navy".
United States
The United States Navy is considered a blue-water navy by experts and academics. It is distinguished from other power projection navies in that it is considered a global blue-water navy, able to operate in the deep waters of every ocean simultaneously. According to Todd and Lindberg's classification system, the United States Navy is a rank one "global-reach power projection navy", and the only navy to occupy this rank.
From green-water to blue-water
Some green-water navies have ambitions towards the development of blue-water capabilities.
See also
Footnotes
External links
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