A new UK-led multi-national operation, named Nordic Warden, has been activated to address the growing threats posed by Russian activities to Europe’s underwater infrastructure. This initiative is part of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), which comprises ten countries, and aims to enhance the security of critical undersea assets amidst rising concerns over incidents like the recent damage to the Estlink2 undersea cable in the Baltic Sea.
The operation, launched last week, utilises advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to monitor potential risks to undersea infrastructure. By collecting and analysing data from various sources, the AI system is designed to evaluate the level of threat posed by vessels entering designated areas. Specific ships identified as part of Russia's so-called shadow fleet—allegedly used to evade international sanctions—are now tracked in real-time, enabling immediate alerts to be dispatched should any vessel be deemed suspicious.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the significance of this operation in a statement, saying, "Growth and national security are vital to our Plan for Change, which is why this government is working closely with our allies to protect critical national infrastructure, such as undersea cables.” He expressed satisfaction that such cutting-edge technology is being deployed promptly following the recent JEF Summit.
The concerns over underwater infrastructure stem from the vulnerability of these cables, which facilitate a substantial portion of the UK’s data and internet connectivity. The incident on Christmas Day, reported to involve a tanker linked to the Russian fleet, further underscores the national security risks that cable damage entails.
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the role of the UK and the JEF in safeguarding offshore infrastructure, stating, "The UK and JEF are leading the way in providing support to our allies to help safeguard the offshore infrastructure we all rely on against potential threats." He noted that the Nordic Warden initiative will play a pivotal role in defending against both deliberate acts of sabotage and the risks posed by negligence, which has previously resulted in damage to undersea cables.
As this operation unfolds, it represents a significant step in multi-national collaboration to monitor and protect vital underwater resources, leveraging AI to enhance maritime surveillance and response capabilities in an increasingly complex security landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services