A new report warns of the vulnerability of the UK’s crucial undersea cables to sabotage by nations such as Russia, Iran, and China, calling for enhanced naval strategies and international cooperation to safeguard these essential assets.
A new report from the Policy Exchange think tank has brought attention to the potential threat posed to the UK’s undersea cables by nations such as Russia, Iran, and China. These cables, crucial for the country’s energy and financial systems, are at risk of being targeted, necessitating a call for a fresh approach to “seabed warfare” to ensure their protection.
Highlighted by past incidents of cable damage and suspicious activities beneath the sea, the study underscores the urgency of revising military strategies to shield these vital underwater connections. Supported by key military figures including Air Chief Marshall Lord Peach, a former Chief of the Defence Staff, and Sir Michael Fallon, a former Defence Secretary, the report calls for new defensive tactics against potential sabotage.
With a focus on the Atlantic Ocean where numerous undersea cables are located, the recommended strategy involves establishing clear guidelines for safeguarding these assets, bolstering funding for naval surveillance, and coordinating a comprehensive response to mitigate the risk of undersea warfare.
This initiative underlines the critical role undersea cables play in sustaining the UK’s international relations and economic stability, urging immediate action to fend off threats and secure the nation’s infrastructure against sabotage.
