NATO to ensure protection of critical underwater infrastructure in European waters unmanned boat fleet (USV Fleet) accelerated its development plans. This step stands out as a solution to the underwater cable damages and interruptions that have increased recently.
Background: Increasing Threats from Underwater Cables
Undersea cables and pipelines that provide telecommunications and energy transmission in Europe are critical to global communications and economic activity. However, these infrastructures are vulnerable to attacks and natural threats. In particular:
- 17-18 November A telecommunications cable between Lithuania and Sweden was broken, and a cable connecting Finland and Germany was damaged.
- Investigations into the incidents are still ongoing.
This has led NATO to seek permanent solutions to continuously monitor and protect its submarine infrastructure.
USV Fleet: NATO's Plans for an Unmanned Boat Fleet
Goal and Strategy
NATO to monitor and protect critical infrastructure above and below water USV Fleet plans to develop a fleet of unmanned boats called . This system will have the ability to both surveillance and rapid response to potential threats.
- First Stage: Improving surface surveillance capabilities.
- Next Stage: Integration of systems for underwater operations.
NATO's conceptual and transformation commander, Admiral Pierre-Vandier, comparing this project to CCTV camera systems in cities, “Having permanent eyes on the seas” emphasized his opinion.
Current Technological Infrastructure
NATO, US Navy's use in Gulf region Task Force 59 (TF 59) plans to benefit from their experiences. This unit is a structure designed to ensure that unmanned systems work in integration with manned vehicles and stands out with the following features:
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (USV) and Vertical Take-Off Systems:
These vehicles can play an active role in surveillance and intervention operations. - Maritime Security Operations:
TF 59 successfully integrates unmanned systems to enhance maritime safety. - Trials and Drills:
Held in November Digital Talon exercise, has once again demonstrated the capabilities of these systems. The successful launch of a remote-controlled munitions and the testing of vertical take-off/landing unmanned aerial vehicles were noteworthy during the exercise.
Goals and Timeline
NATO launches unmanned boat fleet Until the NATO Summit to be held in the Netherlands in June 2024 plans to put into service. In line with this goal:
- Trials Will Start: The first tests will be conducted together with allied countries.
- Strategic Collaborations: Joint efforts will be made among NATO allies to adopt and implement the system.
Challenges in Protecting Critical Underwater Infrastructure
Undersea cables and pipelines are often spread over a wide area, making it easier for attackers to hide their tracks. For this reason:
- Comprehensive Monitoring Systems: Continuous observation and data collection systems are critical.
- Rapid Response Ability: A rapid response mechanism is required against possible attacks.
To overcome these challenges, NATO aims to strengthen its unmanned boat fleet both technologically and operationally.
NATO’s decision to develop a fleet of unmanned boats is an important step towards both increasing the alliance’s maritime security and protecting critical infrastructure. This project will not only strengthen the alliance’s defensive capacity but also its technological superiority. With the first results expected in June 2024, this initiative will be an important deterrent against future threats to submarine infrastructure.
