Modern Naval Battles

Since WWII there has been relatively small number of naval engagements. Therefore, they are all worth studying. While there have been no large scale fleet actions since the demise of the Imperial Japanese Navy, we have seen a diverse collection of naval operations involving an array of both traditional and cutting-edge weapons. Everything from mines and gunfire to drones and ballistic missiles have been employed on the maritime battlefield, and there are many lessons to be drawn.

However, despite the dramatic evolution in weapons over the past 70 years, the underlying principles of naval warfare have remained unchanged. Looking through the list of post-WWII naval battles, you will discover that navies continue to play the same roles and conduct the same missions that they always have. From securing (or threatening) the sea lines of communication to influencing events ashore (or preventing the same), navies remain a vital part of national power and an indispensable element in any type of conflict taking place near the sea.

An examination of these modern naval battles also reveals that many historical truisms have also stayed constant. The vast majority of battles took place close to shore, either in key choke points for maritime trade or as part of operations designed to attack targets ashore. Smaller and more expendable forces have also borne the brunt of the fighting, with major fleet units rarely risked in battle. In fact, virtually all of the larger warships damaged or sunk since WWII were attacked by surprise, either during peacetime or when operating in an area believed to be safe.

Post WWII Naval Battles and Campaigns

2022 - Russian Invasion of Ukraine (Russia vs Ukraine)

• Loss of Moskva
• Sinking of Saratov

2016 - 2016 Red Sea Missile Attacks (Yemeni Rebels vs United States)

2010 - Sinking of RoKS Cheonan (North Korea vs South Korea)

2008 - Battle of Abkhazia (Russia vs Georgia)

2006 - Attack on INS Hanit (Hezbollah vs Israel)

2000 - Attack on USS Cole (Al Qaeda vs United States)

1991 - Gulf War (International Coalition vs Iraq)

• Battle of Bubiyan Island
• Mining of USS Tripoli and USS Princeton

1988 - Operation Preying Mantis (United States vs Iran)

1987 - Attack on USS Stark (Iraq vs United States)

1986 - Battle of the Gulf of Sidra (United States vs Libya)

1982 - Lebanon Intervention Naval Bombardment (United States vs Lebanese rebels)

1982 - Falklands War (Great Britain vs Argentina)

• Attack on HMS Glamorgan
• Battle of Bluff Cove
• Sinking of HMS Coventry
• Sinking of SS Atlantic Conveyer
• Battle of Seal Cove
• Battle of San Carlos
• Second Bombardment of Port Stanley
• Sinking of HMS Sheffield
• Attack on ARA Alferez Sobral
• Sinking of ARA General Belgrano
• First Bombardment of Port Stanley
• Attack on ARA Santa Fe

1980 - Operation Morvarid (Iran vs Iraq)

1974 - Battle of the Parcel Islands (China vs South Vietnam)

1973 - Yom Kippur War (Egypt & Syria vs Israel)

• Battle of Tartus
• Second Battle of Latakia
• Battle of Baltim
• First Battle of Latakia

1971 - Indo-Pakistan War (India vs Pakistan)

• Attack on INS Khukri
• Loss of PNS Ghazi
• Operation Python
• Operation Trident

1967 - Attack on USS Liberty (Israel vs United States)

1967 - Attack on INS Eilat (Egypt vs Israel)

1964-1974 - Vietnam War (United States vs North Vietnam)

• Operation Custom Tailor (1972)
• Battle of Dong Hoi (1972)
• Tonkin Gulf Incident (1964)

1961 - Battle of Mormugao Harbor (India vs Portugal)

1956 - Attack on ENS Domiat (Great Britain vs Egypt)