The importance of trade and commerce to the U.S. economy, and to overall global peace and stability, is a given. The focus statement emphasizes that point. Products from around the world have become such a routine part of our everyday lives that we do not give a second thought to how they reach us. It is a testament to how far we have come in protecting the world's commerce. The Navy, in any event, is keeping a watchful eye on the proliferation of highly capable diesel submarines to potential adversaries who might some day threaten the sea lanes of communication that link nations.
More work is needed, but the initial results are very encouraging.
The statement does not, however, specifically identify the new techniques referred to. Almost all defense analysts agree that it already is the best in the world. In the near term, only regional conflict is likely. The fact that so many navies are buying advanced diesel submarines clearly indicates, though, that there probably will be no such pause in the littoral battlespace. The industry maxim is that the power of processing chips doubles every 18 months.