The UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called on European leaders to strengthen their cooperation to protect subsea infrastructure, highlighting growing security concerns at a European Council meeting in Brussels.
The appeal follows increased activity by Chinese and Russian vessels near critical European submarine cables. Last month, a Russian spy ship was intercepted in the English Channel while allegedly attempting to gather intelligence on key underwater infrastructure.
Additionally, the Baltic Sea has seen multiple submarine cable disruptions since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with many incidents—whether deliberate or accidental—linked to Russian and Chinese vessels. In response to the escalating threats, NATO has deployed patrol ships to the region under the ‘Baltic Sentry’ mission.
Also Read: Navigating Troubled Waters: Cable Infrastructure in the Baltic Sea
“We need to deepen co-operation to protect ourselves from state threats and sabotage, including on sub-sea infrastructure,” said Starmer.
The UK’s first multi-role ocean surveillance ship, RFA Proteus, has been deployed as part of a broader strategy to safeguard national infrastructure, with plans for a second vessel still in the early stages, according to disclosed correspondence between House of Lords Peers, Lord Coaker, and Lord West of Spithead.
Lord Coaker stated that the government remains committed to securing the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure, highlighting ongoing collaboration with government agencies and the subsea cable industry.
The announcement comes just a week after the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (JCNSS) launched an inquiry into the security of the UK’s submarine cable network, citing increasing concerns over potential malicious underwater activity.
Officials have underscored the UK’s heavy dependence on its 60 submarine cables, warning that simultaneous damage to multiple connections could lead to severe disruptions.
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