In collaboration with 14 member nations and Sweden, NATO is intensifying efforts to enhance security around underwater critical infrastructure. The move comes in response to the incidents involving the Nord Stream pipeline last year, underscoring the inherent challenges in monitoring such vital assets.
In an ongoing 12-day exercise off the coast of Portugal, a consortium of nations is testing advanced technologies to enable real-time detection of suspicious activities near underwater infrastructure. This proactive approach aims to boost the security of undersea data cables, which handle approximately $10 trillion in daily financial transactions and 95% of global internet traffic.
Addressing underwater threats
As part of its ongoing commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure, NATO is leading an initiative to develop advanced tools for real-time detection of suspicious activities near underwater infrastructure. The focus is countering threats to vital undersea data cables and pipelines.
The NATO-led effort involves testing cutting-edge sea drone sensors and integrating artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies are undergoing rigorous evaluation in a 12-day exercise conducted off the coast of Portugal. The primary objective is to detect and identify any suspicious activity near underwater infrastructure as it unfolds, with the aim of promptly sharing this crucial information with relevant governments and private operators.
One key motivator behind NATO’s intensified efforts is the growing concerns regarding activities near undersea infrastructure, particularly in light of reports suggesting that certain activities may be related to mapping by Russian actors. Recent incidents involving certain vessels operating near allied systems have further heightened these concerns, particularly given the capabilities of these vessels.
Global significance of undersea infrastructure
The significance of securing undersea infrastructure cannot be overstated. These cables handle approximately 95% of global internet traffic and facilitate daily financial transactions worth a staggering $10 trillion. Furthermore, two-thirds of the world’s oil and gas are extracted at sea or transported via underwater pipelines. Given these systems’ complexity and vast scale, effective monitoring is a multifaceted task.
Cutting-edge technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is pivotal in enhancing security around underwater infrastructure. AI can monitor and assess the movements of vessels and raise alerts if any patterns of concern are detected. Moreover, future developments may enable fiber optic cables to detect and respond to potential threats in real time.
NATO’s comprehensive response
To address these pressing security concerns, NATO allies have initiated a multifaceted response. In July, an agreement was reached to establish a new maritime center focused explicitly on undersea critical infrastructure at NATO’s maritime command in Northwood, UK. This center will serve as a central hub for coordination and information exchange.
Furthermore, NATO allies have committed to improving collaborative information sharing between NATO, its allies, and the private sector. This cooperative approach facilitates swift action based on intelligence gathered from sensors or AI systems. Such cooperation is paramount in ensuring timely detection and response to potentially suspicious activities in real time.
Vigilance among pipeline operators
In the aftermath of the Nord Stream pipeline incidents, pipeline operators proactively took measures to enhance their vigilance. These operators conducted comprehensive assessments of their assets, which encompassed approximately 5,592 miles of pipelines. However, such extensive scanning came at considerable expense, prompting operators to emphasize the importance of expeditious information exchange among stakeholders.
Learn about NATO’s efforts to enhance underwater infrastructure security, with cutting-edge technology and global collaboration, addressing concerns related to Russian activities and safeguarding critical undersea data cables.
