What are we talking about?

Deputy Commander of NATO Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Didier Maleter, emphasized the following in The Guardian article: vulnerabilities of critical underwater objects“Hybrid warfare” tactics used by Russia and other adversaries, such as wind farms, pipelines, and power cables.

Maleter also noted that modern underwater infrastructure cannot withstand sophisticated hybrid warfare attacks orchestrated by Moscow, including undermining the European economy. attacks on cables, internet infrastructure and pipelines.

We know that Russia organizes many underwater operations. Their aim was to influence the European economy. All of our critical underwater facilities are under threat. It should be clearly explained: we know about Russian developments in the field of implementation of nuclear submarines. But we are one and we work together.
– emphasized the vice admiral.

According to Malter, incidents such as the alleged sabotage of gas pipelines in the Baltic region underscore the seriousness of this threat. The failure to identify the culprits despite extensive investigations into Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, as well as the Baltic Connector, raises concerns about the vulnerability of such infrastructures.

We depend on submarine cables

Underwater infrastructure covers a significant geography of the connection between continents and is responsible for transmission. More than 90% of internet traffic. The fact that it is a vital communication link between the US, Canada and Europe is another indication of its importance and the potential impact on those living on the continents due to its fragility.

Additionally, offshore wind energy, which is crucial to achieving climate goals, remains vulnerable to hybrid attacks. According to Didier Maleter, this entire infrastructure still has “systemic vulnerabilities”.

NATO takes action

Due to concerns about the vulnerability of important underwater infrastructure facilities, NATO is working on the creation of a specialized center on this subject. will deal with underwater safety issues. The center will be at Marcom’s UK headquarters in Northwood, next to NATO’s transport centre.

NATO aims to strengthen its surveillance capabilities and detect suspicious activities at sea by using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and satellite capabilities.

Meanwhile, Marcom himself remains vigilant presence of more than 100 ships, including nuclear and conventional submarinesPatrolling key maritime areas to protect against threats. Maleter also recognized the challenges associated with protecting each element of underwater infrastructure and emphasized countries’ personal responsibility for the security of their assets.

The recent addition of Finland and Sweden to the NATO fleet is considered extremely important for strengthening security in the Baltic and Arctic regions. NATO needs to strengthen its ability to detect and deter regional attacks, especially from Russia.