Navies increasingly required to exert persistent sea control over larger ocean areas (warontherocks.com)

• Sea control now required in peacetime over large areas due to legal and extra-legal territorialization.
• Protection of critical maritime infrastructure (cables, pipelines) demands persistent surveillance.
• Navies face capability gaps; uncrewed platforms insufficient for presence missions.

"The article analyzes a shift in maritime strategy: navies are now expected to maintain sea control continuously over vast areas in peacetime, driven by legal territorialization (UNCLOS EEZs), extra-legal claims (e.g., China's 'blue territory'), and protection of critical maritime infrastructure. This contrasts with traditional temporary wartime sea control. The author argues navies face a mismatch between expanded tasks and finite resources, requiring new capabilities and investment."