The strategy creates a force-structure problem. A campaign against protected Soviet strategic submarines favours small numbers of technologically advanced and expensive attack boats. A Soviet offensive against Atlantic shipping demands numerous affordable escorts and maritime patrol aircraft spread across many convoys. Threat assessments can steer budgets toward prestigious high-end systems while leaving too few hulls and aircraft for sustained merchant protection.
Notable Point · 1:51:52-1:53:07
Bastions and convoys demand different NATO fleets
Attacking defended Soviet bastions rewards a few sophisticated submarines, while protecting Atlantic convoys requires many escorts and patrol aircraft.