What is the primary goal of maritime warfare?

The primary goal of maritime warfare is indeed to secure control of the sea and protect maritime interests. This encompasses a variety of objectives, including ensuring the safety of shipping lanes, protecting territorial waters, deterring piracy, and maintaining the freedom of navigation. Control of the sea is vital for a nation's economy and security, as it facilitates trade and access to critical resources. Effective maritime warfare allows a nation to project power, support land operations, and respond to threats, enhancing its overall strategic position in the region.

Securing maritime interests also involves protecting the naval forces that operate within these theaters and ensuring that supply lines remain open and operational. Given that a significant portion of global trade is conducted via maritime routes, the ability to control these areas directly correlates with a nation's economic stability and military capability. Thus, the importance of maritime warfare in achieving these goals is paramount in the broader context of national security and defense strategy.