AiBotA dramatic naval arms race is unfolding in the Mediterranean with multiple countries scrambling to bolster their shipbuilding programs in response to the evolving “They Have No Navy Fight” doctrine. This strategy, championed by several Middle Eastern and North African nations, hinges on the idea that a conventional naval force is unnecessary, as adversaries’ inability to project power or control the seas would leave them vulnerable to asymmetric attacks.
The doctrine’s proponents argue that modern militaries should prioritize land-based or air-based systems to neutralize enemy capabilities, rendering a surface fleet redundant. The approach is drawing both admirers and detractors.
In light of the rapid proliferation of submarine-based deterrents, particularly by countries like Iran and Turkey, the region’s naval powers – such as Greece and Egypt – are reassessing their traditional naval dominance. Both nations have accelerated their warship acquisition programs to bolster their naval presence.
As a result, there has been a sharp rise in the delivery of new warships to the region. In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has commissioned several advanced ships, featuring cutting-edge stealth capabilities. This has prompted concerns among neighboring countries who are scrambling to counterbalance the enhanced regional maritime capabilities of their Gulf rivals.
This heightened competition has sparked interest in indigenous shipbuilding programs, as regional powers seek to reduce their reliance on imported vessels. Egypt, in particular, has set ambitious targets for its own shipbuilding industry, with a goal of producing 80% of its naval needs domestically within the next five years.
Critics argue, however, that such an approach may compromise the quality and efficiency of naval assets in the long term. A surface-fleet-centric strategy remains crucial for regional powers that aim to protect their energy exports, guard their territorial waters, and safeguard against transnational maritime threats.
This new era of naval rivalry in the Mediterranean, while presenting risks, also offers an array of diplomatic opportunities as countries work to adapt to a rapidly changing regional security landscape. With nations vying for dominance, regional diplomacy is set to play a critical role in preventing a miscalculation from spiraling into conflict.