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The Bremen NATO FRIGATES Current Situation And Future Design Trends by Dr. Ugo Mazza, General Secretary, Ente Promozione Industria Navale (EPIN) Transatlantic reinforcement and resupply would be a critical factor in the conventional defense of Central Europe. Even considering major improvements now planned in airlift and pre-positioning of materiel, the bulk of equipment and resupply would have to come by sea. In addition, the economic survival of European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Orga- nization (NATO) depends on trade and raw materials from overseas; more than 90 percent of the im- ports of these countries moves by sea. The Warsaw Pact countries are not dependent on sea transport of imports or exports, and it is impos- sible to interpret the massive buildup of the Soviet Navy as other than offensive in strategic concept. For this purpose, the U.S.S.R. has amassed a fleet of more than 400 modern subma- rines, four aircraft carriers and a battle cruiser, with more of these types to follow. The Soviet Navy also has 40 or more cruisers and a large number of destroyers, frig- ates and smaller ships. The naval air arm numbers more than 1,500 aircraft. A recent NATO document syn- thesizes the strategic scenario for North Atlantic naval defense, which could also be applied to the Mediterranean flank of the alli- ance. The main wartime task of the growing Soviet fleet is seen as (continued on page 30) Write 119 on Reader Service Card Maritime Reporter/Engineering News
