Downward trends in worldwide naval ship construction and proliferation of "combat boats" has which of the following effects?

The downward trends in worldwide naval ship construction and the proliferation of "combat boats" contribute to complicating the area of uncertainty for U.S. forces. This phenomenon can lead to a range of challenges, including changes in maritime security dynamics and the operational environment.

As nations invest in smaller, more agile combat boats rather than large surface combatants, the strategic landscape shifts. These smaller vessels can operate in coastal areas and utilize asymmetric tactics, making it more difficult for U.S. naval forces to predict potential threats and effectively plan their operations. The resultant ambiguity can undermine traditional naval deterrence strategies, necessitating a re-evaluation of how forces are deployed and how tactical engagements are executed.

The complexities introduced by the lower cost and rapid proliferation of these platforms can lead to an increase in state and non-state maritime actors, each with their own capabilities and agendas. This increases the need for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations to maintain situational awareness, further complicating the military's operational calculus. In this context, forces must adapt to an environment that may have increased risks of miscalculation or confrontation, emphasizing the intricacies of modern maritime security.