A new arms race is unfolding on the ocean floor
Countries and companies are investing in technologies for underwater use amid concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure on the ocean floor.
TL;DR
- Nations and companies are investing heavily in new underwater technologies due to concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure like connectivity cables and energy pipelines.
- The rise of hybrid warfare and advancements in AI and autonomous systems are driving the focus on the underwater domain.
- Incidents like the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage have highlighted the need for better monitoring and protection of subsea infrastructure.
- Companies like Fincantieri and Euroatlas are developing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for surveillance, detection, and potentially anti-AUV missions.
- Operating autonomously underwater presents significant challenges due to poor visibility, difficult communications, and technological limitations.
- Protecting vast networks of subsea infrastructure is a challenge, requiring closer cooperation between governments and private infrastructure owners.
- The underwater domain is becoming a focus for nations like Russia and China, alongside Western countries and alliances.
- Autonomous underwater vehicles are seen as a deterrent and a valuable tool, but not a complete solution for securing the seabed.