Is the ocean safe?NATO sounds alarm over undersea ‘hybrid warfare’ affecting 1 billion people

Hybrid warfare is a complex military strategy that goes beyond traditional combat.

A senior NATO official has reportedly expressed concern about possible Russian attacks on underwater infrastructure, which would put nearly 1 billion people at risk. protector.

Critical undersea cables and pipelines carrying data, power and communications lines are considered weak links. These connections are critical to the internet, phone systems and even power grids in some areas.

Undersea networks are largely unguarded and vulnerable to accidental damage or vandalism. The vulnerability has become a growing security concern, especially given Russia’s alleged “hybrid warfare” tactics.

Lieutenant General Didier Malettel, deputy commander of NATO’s Allied Maritime Command, said this infrastructure was not built to withstand hybrid tactics that could combine conventional military operations with cyberattacks and other destructive methods. Combined.

NATO urges vigilance in protecting these vital underwater connections that safeguard communications, energy and daily life for millions of people in Europe and North America.

“We know that the Russians are engaged in a lot of hybrid warfare undersea, disrupting the European economy through cables, internet cables and pipelines. All of our undersea economies are under threat,” Lieutenant General Malletter said.

“And, to be very clear, we know that the Russians have developed nuclear submarines that operate under the sea. So we’re not naive, we [Nato countries] are working together. “

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Recent incidents involving the Baltic Sea pipelines (i.e. Nord Stream and Baltic Connector) have raised concerns about potential damage. Investigations are ongoing and Finland says a Chinese ship is to blame for damage to the Baltic Sea connector. Lieutenant General Marletre, a submariner with extensive underwater experience, highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. It was originally built by the private sector without taking into account modern security threats and now faces significantly changed conditions.