Abstract: | Abstract Major naval weapons and weapons systems are examined as they relate to naval strategy and the law of the sea. Although there are some legal limitations on the development and use of nuclear and other mass destruction weapons on the seabed, and in nuclear free zones such as Latin America, and on naval weaponry in Antarctica, the use of naval weapons systems is largely unrestricted by international law and the law of the sea. Weapons systems from mines to large submarines and carriers are related to areas, to categories of states, and to the main sub‐fields of international relations. The conclusion to be drawn is that a third Hague Conference on the laws of war should be called and arms control and disarmament issues in naval weaponry should be addressed urgently. Detailed data on naval weapons, missile systems, and maritime zones are presented in three appendixes. Glossary of Abbreviations for Naval Weaponry immediately precedes the appendices. |