Which maritime operations defend maritime assets from small craft designed to operate in shallow waters, capable of speeds over 30 knots?

• A. FAC/FIAC
• B. SSC
• C. AMM
• D. SCAR

Answer: (A)

Countering fast, shallow-water attack craft is about defending assets from a rapid, close-in threat. Small boats designed to operate in shallow coastal areas can reach speeds over 30 knots, which means they can close the distance quickly and exploit littoral environments to threaten ships, harbors, or installations. Operations focused on this scenario are built around early detection, quick interception, and interdiction in nearshore zones, using fast patrol craft, layered surveillance, and rapid-response teams to neutralize the threat before it can mount an attack. This is precisely what FAC/FIAC-oriented activities target: countering fast attack craft and fast inshore attack craft in shallow waters. Other maritime operation sets address different threat profiles or broader warfare areas and don’t specifically tailor to the high-speed, shallow-water challenge these small craft present.