Q&A · 1:44:10-1:44:49

Can a country create a coastal navy during a war?

Norway's wartime coastal capability offers a partial example, though much of the development came through Free Norwegian forces rather than an intact state building from nothing at home.

Question

Has a country built a modern coastal navy during a war after beginning without one?

Short answer

Norway in the Second World War is a partial example, mainly through the Free Norwegian forces; Sweden had strong coastal capability but did not start from nothing.

Notes

Creating a state-of-the-art coastal navy during an ongoing war is difficult because trained people, suitable small craft, bases, and doctrine must develop together. Norway in the Second World War is a possible example. The qualification matters because much of that growth belonged to the Free Norwegian forces operating with allies rather than a government freely building at home. Sweden is a useful contrast: it maintained a capable coastal navy, but did not begin the war without one.