WORLD TARGET RANGE

All of the worlds navies carry a lot of weaponry and personal protective equipment that becomes obsolete and ‘time expired’ if unused.

All of the ships, weapons, equipment and training to fight a twenty first century multi service war against like minded and equipped foes require battlefield condition testing and use for real in combat to complete the ‘fighting package’.

The seas around Somalia should be designated as a ‘World Target Range’ with each country’s navy being allocated a day upon which they can score points by killing pirates and sinking their little boats. This could then develop into a league table with navies competing in different disciplines in art of pirate killing.

This is a win-win situation. Navies get better trained; manufacturers could try out their latest missiles, pilot-less drones, bullets etc, pirates get blown away and no-one mourns their passing.

Alternatively we could do nothing and watch innocent crews often carrying aid being captured and held until some mug insurance company or owner pays up again to release their goods thus making the act of piracy profitable ensuring the capture of another cargo ship carrying aid.

America has made a statement – their ships will fight back and receive support from the US Navy before a member of the crew can say “did you hear a pinging noise” – respect is due.