IRIA News

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NATO organized a military and industry experts meeting on December 10, 2024, in Brussels to strengthen cooperation against escalating threats to critical undersea infrastructure. With recent incidents of sabotage highlighting the vulnerability of subsea cables and pipelines, NATO is intensifying efforts to safeguard these vital lifelines of communication and energy.

The meeting, attended by representatives from NATO member states and telecommunications industry experts, focused on improving situational awareness, enhancing information sharing, and strengthening defenses against potential attacks.

With critical undersea infrastructure, such as communication cables and energy pipelines, carrying over 95% of global internet traffic and supplying essential energy resources, these systems are increasingly viewed as high-value targets in geopolitical conflicts.

NATO’s Assistant Secretary-General for Innovation, Hybrid, and Cybersaid Jean-Charles Ellermann-Kingombe said, “Leveraging innovation and technology, including through increased sensing and monitoring to detect suspicious activity near critical undersea infrastructure, is a key focus.”

He emphasized the urgency of cooperation between civilian and military sectors, especially in the face of “intensifying hostile campaigns, including by Russia.”

Vulnerability of undersea infrastructure

The urgency of NATO’s actions is underscored by a series of high-profile incidents. On November 17–18, 2024, the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng Three allegedly severed two critical undersea cables by dragging its anchor across the seabed for over 160 kilometers. The cables connected Sweden to Lithuania and Finland to Germany. The incident resulted in a partial cut off communications and raising alarm over potential deliberate sabotage.

This incident was followed by the infamous Nord Stream pipeline explosions on September 26, 2022, which resulted in significant gas leaks in the Baltic Sea. Although initial blame fell on Russia, investigations have pointed to other possible perpetrators, including a Ukrainian national suspected of using the yacht Andromeda in what may have been a false flag operation.

These events highlight the complex and murky nature of modern threats to undersea infrastructure, where state and non-state actors can leverage both physical and cyber means to disrupt critical systems.

Critical Undersea Network

Recognizing the growing threats, NATO launched the Maritime Centre for the Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure in May 2024, based in the United Kingdom. The center aims to bolster NATO’s capabilities to protect subsea infrastructure by fostering collaboration between governments, industries, and military organizations. It also serves as the operational hub for the Critical Undersea Network, a platform established earlier in 2024 to enhance information sharing and coordination among stakeholders.

The Critical Undersea Network brings together representatives from NATO allies, industry players, and civilian and military headquarters. Its goal is to ensure timely detection and response to potential threats, leveraging advanced monitoring technologies and collaborative frameworks.

Geopolitical implications

Undersea infrastructure has become a focal point in the broader geopolitical contest between NATO and its adversaries, particularly Russia and China. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking after a two-day foreign ministers’ meeting on December 4, stressed the urgency of addressing hostile actions targeting member states.

“Both Russia and China have tried to destabilize our countries and divide our societies with acts of sabotage, cyber-attacks, and energy blackmail,” Rutte stated.

The sabotage of undersea cables in November adds to the growing list of provocations attributed to these nations. While direct evidence of state involvement in some incidents remains inconclusive, the pattern of attacks has amplified calls for greater vigilance and defensive measures.

Ambassador Ellermann-Kingombe emphasized the importance of using cutting-edge technologies to detect and deter potential threats. NATO is working on advanced sensing and monitoring systems to identify suspicious activities near critical infrastructure. These technologies are designed to provide early warning and enable rapid response, reducing the risk of significant disruptions.

Additionally, NATO is exploring partnerships with private sector entities to ensure comprehensive coverage of undersea assets. Telecommunications operators and energy companies, which own much of the infrastructure, are key allies in the effort to secure these vital systems.

As threats to undersea infrastructure intensify, NATO’s initiatives mark a significant step toward ensuring the security and resilience of these critical systems. The alliance’s emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and proactive defense strategies reflects the growing recognition of undersea infrastructure as a strategic asset in the modern geopolitical landscape.

While challenges remain, such as attributing attacks and deterring covert operations, the increased focus on undersea security demonstrates NATO’s commitment to adapting to emerging threats. The stakes are high, but through concerted efforts, the Alliance aims to protect the lifelines that underpin global connectivity and energy supply.