Janice R. Andrews
NATO’s Strategy to Safeguard Baltic Sea Internet Cables
In response to recent disruptions of two crucial Internet cables in the Baltic Sea, NATO is enhancing its security measures to protect these vital undersea connections. Admiral Pierre Vandier confirmed that the alliance is exploring the deployment of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and sea drones to monitor and safeguard underwater infrastructure.
This move follows apparent sabotage attacks that severed cables linking Lithuania to Sweden and Finland to Germany. Ongoing investigations by Swedish and Finnish authorities have yet to determine the full scope of the incidents, but they highlight the growing vulnerability of undersea infrastructure to potential threats.
The Need for Underwater Monitoring
NATO’s proposed solution involves using autonomous systems for continuous surveillance of both surface and underwater activities. These unmanned vehicles, often referred to as drone ships, would monitor and identify potential sabotage attempts in real-time.
Admiral Vandier explained to Defence News that the goal is to establish permanent surveillance to safeguard against threats to undersea cables. These systems will function similarly to streetlights, continuously detecting any suspicious activity above and below the waterline, ensuring quick responses to possible sabotage.
What Are Sea Drones?
Sea drones, or unmanned maritime vehicles, can operate on the surface or dive underwater. These devices are equipped with various functions, including surveillance, threat detection, and sometimes countermeasures to neutralize potential dangers.
Andrej Zvaigzne, a senior researcher at Riga Technical University, compared the optimal surveillance system to air traffic control, where radars track and manage activities in the air or underwater. This level of oversight would allow for continuous monitoring of any suspicious movements in the water.
“You need to understand what is happening and track the movements of potential threats to maintain control,” Zvaigzne noted.
Challenges of Surveillance in the Baltic Sea
Despite the potential of sea drones, there are several challenges to their deployment in the Baltic Sea. Poor visibility caused by water stratification makes it difficult to get clear readings of underwater activities. Additionally, maintaining consistent communication with underwater drones over long distances remains a technical challenge.
“You can never be 100% certain, but a strong surveillance system can significantly reduce risks,” Zvaigzne added, acknowledging that no system can eliminate threats entirely.
With the Baltic Sea now known as “NATO Lake” due to the recent inclusion of Sweden and Finland in the alliance, the need for a coordinated security strategy has become even more pressing. All countries bordering the Baltic, except Russia, are now NATO members, underscoring the urgency of securing this critical region.
The Need for Coordination
Experts emphasize the importance of closer coordination among NATO members, telecommunications companies, and Baltic nations. Currently, the use of underwater drones in the region is sporadic and lacks a unified approach.
Olevs Nikers, President of the Baltic Security Foundation, called for new legislation to streamline surveillance operations. “If sabotage is detected, the next question is how to respond,” Nikers said, stressing the need for clear protocols and strategies for an effective, coordinated response.
Legal and Operational Considerations
In addition to improving surveillance, experts argue that Baltic nations must establish clear legal frameworks to govern the use of sea drones. These laws will help ensure that surveillance activities are conducted within international law and outline appropriate consequences for detected sabotage.
Although NATO has not yet confirmed plans to deploy sea drones specifically, the alliance has acknowledged the importance of securing undersea infrastructure. It has formed a working group dedicated to sharing information and devising strategies to defend critical underwater assets.
Looking Ahead
The increasing use of autonomous systems like sea drones reflects a global shift in how nations approach the protection of vital infrastructure. As technology evolves, these drones could become essential tools for defense and deterrence.
In the Baltic Sea, where geopolitical tensions intersect with physical vulnerabilities, the introduction of sea drones could serve as a model for other regions facing similar risks. NATO’s plan to establish continuous surveillance systems will not only protect its member nations but also ensure the stability of global communication networks.
As investigations into the cable disruptions continue, NATO’s efforts underscore the need for proactive defense measures in an age where threats can emerge from both above and below the surface.
