US Navy needs more small warships to counter Russia, researchers say

[rebewranger]

US Navy needs more small warships to counter Russia, researchers say
By ALISON BATH
STARS AND STRIPES • June 20, 2022

 As the U.S. pursues a maritime strategy that prioritizes a blue-water navy, Russia appears to be betting on smaller, missile-laden vessels to help it slowly gain territory and influence, according to military analysts.

Smaller Russian warships like corvettes and frigates aren’t built for fights with the U.S. Navy.

Instead, they provide coastal defense in the Black and Baltic seas, and allow Russia to harass cargo ships and credibly threaten its neighbors, said Bryan Clark, director of the Hudson Institute’s Center for Defense Concepts and Technology.

https://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php?action=profile;u=117442

[rebewranger]

I don't believe the "military analysts" have any idea what the Navy needs because the people with the stars on their collars  what they need.

[Smokin Joe]

Small vessels can pack a big punch. The whole littoral combat ship concept was this idea run wild (do admirals have pot parties?) and over engineered, too ambitiously set about, and tried to turn a shallow draft warship into a swiss army knife.

During WWII the Elko PT boat accomplished much with limited but present ability to launch torpedoes, strafe onshore positions and other vessels, and defend against air attack. https://www.militaryfactory.com/ships/detail.php?ship_id=ELCO-PT-boat

With modern electronics and weaponry, the boat that only draws 5 ft. of water but is capable of ocean transit could be updated, carried in larger vessels with well decks which could act as tenders, and be survivable should the mother ship be hit.