Lutz Rainer Mertschat

The commonality of hemispheric challenges calls for greater interoperability and capability

against the lower-intensity threat. How can Latin American navies work together to achieve

interoperability for multinational operations?

 Information sharing and situational awareness are critical to defeat transnational criminal

networks. What provisions should navies incorporate to enable regional information sharing? How

can naval leaders retain high readiness and accelerate C2 to eliminate organized crime and illegal

trafficking?

 Navies need to maintain a persistently visible force and increase lethality to ensure security of

national waters. As many fleets are approaching the end of their service lives, commanders are

tasked with balancing rapid modernization with budgetary constraints. What is the right approach

to shipbuilding and modernisation of the existing fleet? How can industry support operational

versatility and multi-mission modularity? What is the necessary force structure for the future

operating environment?

 Maritime operations will require an ever-increasing ability to collect and act on sensor data to

build the tactical picture for operations. How can navies enhance threat detection and accelerate

decision-making without compromising signature management? How can navies enhance

capability for ASW?

 The Offset Strategy: how can navies work with international industry to enable indigenous

shipbuilding opportunities and strengthen the local industrial base?