Undersea cables are the backbone of global communication, carrying 99% of the world’s digital data. However, they have increasingly become targets of sabotage in recent months.
Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, several critical infrastructures in the Baltic Sea have been damaged. The Russian government remains the primary suspect, though the Kremlin denies any involvement.
In response to this growing threat, NATO has launched a coordinated defense initiative, deploying warships under the operation known as Baltic Sentry. The Baltic Sea is home to numerous internet and power cables, and repairing these structures is costly and time-consuming. While many undersea networks have built-in redundancies, concentrated attacks could cause widespread disruptions, jeopardizing essential services.
To bolster security, NATO has implemented an advanced defense strategy powered by artificial intelligence. Operated from the United Kingdom’s NATO Maritime Center for the Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure, the AI system monitors maritime activity, identifying suspicious behaviors such as erratic ship movements, loitering, or slowing near undersea cables. By rapidly analyzing these patterns, the system reduces response times, enabling NATO forces to intercept potential threats in as little as 30 minutes.
Naval patrols are further supported by maritime drones housed aboard warships. These drones, measuring 2.4 meters in length and powered by four thrusters, require a three-person crew for operation. They provide high-resolution imagery of underwater conditions, aiding military personnel in assessing potential risks.
As threats to global communication infrastructure escalate, Baltic Sentry represents a critical effort to safeguard these vital connections, ensuring the resilience of digital and energy networks in the face of emerging security challenges.
