What type of contact is considered to be 'friendly' in naval context?

In the naval context, 'friendly' contacts are those that are recognized and identified as allies. Known allied vessels are categorized as friendly because they have established agreements, shared interests, and often coordinated operations with the naval force. These vessels can be trusted to cooperate in joint missions and operate within the same command structure, ensuring mutual safety and operational effectiveness.

On the other hand, unidentified submarines do not have confirmed identities, making it impossible to determine if they are friendly or hostile. Hostile aircraft are, by definition, considered threats and are treated as adversaries. Neutral merchant ships do not have established relations that classify them as friendly, as their status can range from cooperative to indifferent depending on the context of a potential engagement. This makes known allied vessels the clear indicator of a 'friendly' contact in naval operations.