West Too Dependent On U.S. Naval Power

The West is relying too much on the United States to police the seas, Jane’s Fighting Ships warned in its edition released Friday.

Though there is increasing need for naval activity, Western forces have been shrinking due to budget cuts, giving the United States a grip on the world’s sea routes, editor Richard Sharpe said.

The danger is the United States also is likely to reduce funding.

If this happens, “The risk of conflict and piracy will increase accordingly,” Sharpe said.