Suspected sabotage in the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas is pushing new technology forward to protect undersea infrastructure. The unmanned fleet will have a surveillance system to record activity below the water’s surface.
NATO is preparing to launch sea drones this summer to monitor the globe’s cable supply. The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet is behind the technology. Task Force 59 has spent months performing experiments to bring aquatic drones to the Middle East and push rivals out of allied waters.
Tensions began in November when two cables were severed in what investigators said was a clear act of sabotage. According to authorities, a Chinese vessel dragged an anchor for more than a hundred miles as they left a Russian port. The vessel cut the line between Sweden and Lithuania, and another line was severed between Germany and Finland the next day.
Officials believe Western countries were the target due to their aid and support of Ukraine throughout the war. They believe Russian intelligence agencies were behind the incident.
NATO’s Intelligence Chief David Cattler said earlier this year that evidence showed Russia was mapping out undersea infrastructure. Currently, Russia uses land-based internet connections rather than undersea cables like many countries.
“You can see that they are signaling that they have the intent and capability to take action in this domain if they choose.”
Statement by NATO Intelligence Chief David Cattler
The owner, a Chinese national, is working with the European authorities, while Russia denies any involvement. A Russian sailor was also reportedly onboard the ship.
