Subsea Sabotage Spurs NATO to Develop Uncrewed Fleet

Following a series of incidents involving damage to undersea cables across European waters, NATO is developing plans for a dedicated fleet of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to enhance surveillance and security in the Baltic and Mediterranean seas. The initiative, modeled after urban surveillance systems, aims to provide continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure and deter potential threats. Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO’s commander for concepts and transformation, outlined the plan in an interview, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the vulnerability of undersea cables.

Mimicking Urban Surveillance

Vandier likened the proposed USV fleet to a network of CCTV cameras strategically positioned in urban areas to monitor and record activity, deterring crime and providing evidence for investigations. “The technology is there to make this ‘street-lighting’ with USVs,” he explained, emphasizing the feasibility of adapting existing technology for maritime surveillance. The initial focus will be surface-level monitoring, with the potential for underwater capabilities in the future.

Growing Concerns Over Cable Disruptions

The reason for this initiative stems from a series of recent cable disruptions, including incidents in November involving damage to a telecommunications cable between Lithuania and Sweden and another connecting Finland and Germany. While investigations into these incidents are ongoing, they underscore the vulnerability of crucial undersea infrastructure and the potential for disruption to communications and other essential services.

Leveraging Existing Technology and Experience

The NATO project draws heavily on the experience and technology developed by the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 59 (TF 59), operating in the Gulf region since 2021. TF 59 focuses on integrating uncrewed systems and artificial intelligence into naval operations. A sub-unit, Task Group 59.1, established in January, is dedicated to testing and upgrading industry systems to bolster maritime security in the Middle East. This existing framework provides a valuable model for NATO’s own USV fleet, significantly reducing the developmental timeline. “It already exists, so somehow it’s not very risky,” Vandier noted, referring to TF 59’s established procedures and technologies. “It is much more a matter of adoption than technology.”

Rapid Deployment Anticipated

NATO aims to launch the drone surveillance fleet before the next summit scheduled for June 2024 in the Netherlands. This ambitious timeline reflects the growing concern within the alliance regarding the security of undersea infrastructure. Vandier stated that initial talks are underway to determine the best approach for implementation, with strong support from MARCOM, the central command of all NATO maritime forces, and SACEUR, the alliance’s operational headquarters.

Technological Capabilities

Task Group 59.1 has already trialed and upgraded over 23 different uncrewed systems, showcasing the rapid advancement in this field. Recent exercises, such as Digital Talon in early November, demonstrated successful remote launching of loitering munitions at sea and the vertical take-off and landing of drones from USVs. These capabilities highlight the potential for the NATO fleet to perform a range of surveillance and security tasks.

Addressing Future Challenges

While details of the NATO USV fleet are still being finalized, the project underscores the alliance’s commitment to adapting to evolving security challenges. The increasing reliance on undersea cables for communications, energy transmission, and other critical services makes them a prime target for sabotage and disruption. By leveraging uncrewed technology and learning from existing initiatives like TF 59, NATO seeks to establish a robust and proactive defense against these emerging threats. The proposed drone fleet represents a significant step towards securing vital undersea infrastructure and maintaining stability in the region.

International Cooperation and Implications

The development of this new capability within NATO has broader implications for international maritime security. The alliance’s initiative could serve as a model for other nations and organizations facing similar challenges. Furthermore, the deployment of a sophisticated drone fleet in European waters may prompt discussions regarding international regulations and cooperation on uncrewed maritime systems. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of this initiative and its impact on maritime security in the region.