The domination of the seas has been a fall of empires, trade routes, and world security over centuries. The naval power was not necessarily the size of a fleet but the technology of it. Since the invention of basic navigation tools to the sophisticated digital warfare technology, each innovation transformed the manner in which people engaged in war and how countries guarded their interests. Other inventions improved speed and strength of ships, others the detection and communication and long-range attacks. These technologies in the navy had not simply improved the ships, but also reinvented strategy, supremacy and survivability at the sea. Knowing these inventions, it becomes easier to understand how the modern navies became the influential powers we know of now.
Compass
The compass transformed the sea transportation by enabling navigators to sail straight without the need of seeing landmarks. It facilitated the reliability of long-distance travel and provided the entry into the world of exploration and naval development.
Cannon
Cannon mounted on ships changed the character of the naval battles to the one of long distance. The fleets would now be able to destroy the enemies before they could board on and this shifted the power to well armed warships.
Steam Engine
Wind no longer was dependent on ships because of steam engines. Navies were made faster, more regular, and more flexible in their strategies, which enabled ships to perform maneuvers exactly on the battlefield and on extensive oceans.
Iron Hulls
The introduction of iron hulls in place of the wooden ones strengthened and withstood fire. The ships in the war became more resistant to sinking, and the rivals had to use more powerful weapons and new strategies of battle.
Propellers
Paddle wheels were used instead of sails and it enhanced faster movement and control. The naval operations became something predictable and efficient as ships could move well in difficult weather conditions.
Submarines
Stealth warfare under the surface was brought about by submarines. They transformed the way defense was done at sea by being able to threaten even the largest surface fleets without any easy detection.
Sonar
Sonar enabled navies to know threats in the sea. The technology has become critical in the tracking of submarines, increasing counter measures as well as superiority in the sea.
Radar
Radar increased the visibility beyond the horizon. During dark or bad weather, navies were able to follow enemy ships and aircrafts thus commanders had an enormous tactical advantage.
Aircraft Carriers
Aircraft carriers made the ocean an air mobile base. Sea power became more about aircraft than guns, and attacks that can be done miles away without any observation of the ship.
Naval Aviation
There were fighter jets and bombers that increased the range of the navy. The maritime air superiority became of critical importance to reconnaissance, defense, and offensive operations.
Missiles
Traditional artillery was substituted by guided missiles. Ships were able to hit targets hundreds of kilometers distant with precision altering the way naval engagements were designed and implemented.
Nuclear Power
Ships and submarines were virtually endlessly powered by nuclear propulsion. Fleets would be able to spend months without fuel that boosted international presence and strategic deterrence.
GPS Systems
GPS transformed the world of navigation and precision of targets. Ships were capable of operating with precision so that coordination, safety and fighting capability was enhanced.
Stealth Design
The radar was minimized by stealth technology. New warships were more difficult to detect and offered the possibility of surprise movement as well as survivability of those who became involved in war.
Cyber Warfare
The naval networks have now been defended and assaulted through digital systems. The Cyber technology is a silent war that has affected the communication, navigation, and control of weapons at the sea.
