Executive Summary

The development and proliferation of Propulsion Disablers (PDs) can be identified as a turning point in maritime warfare. The small devices, often compared to torpedoes, would hit the propulsion mechanisms to limit the movement of vessels. This implies little to no structural damage and casualties. Technological advancements make PDs grow increasingly closer to large-scale proliferation in our reality. Their ability to disable ships while potentially avoiding escalations could be decisive in tense contexts, such as that of the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea. Nonetheless, it remains crucial to acknowledge that, despite their non-lethal nature, PDs have the potential to provoke serious retaliation and legal disputes. Either way, PDs mean to reshape the tactical and strategic landscape of maritime warfare.