Six nations unite to protect Europe’s undersea cable networks as threats from Russia and China loom large over critical infrastructure that handles $10 trillion in daily financial transactions.
At a Glance
- A strategic partnership of six countries and over 20 companies conducted seabed surveys in Scheveningen Harbour to protect underwater cables
- Undersea telecommunication cables carry 99% of transoceanic communications and $10 trillion in daily financial transactions
- Recent incidents of suspected sabotage have been linked to Russia and China, including damage to cables between Finland and Estonia
- NATO initiated the Baltic Sentry patrol mission in response to growing threats to underwater infrastructure
- Experts warn that a major attack on underwater cables could bring a country to a standstill
Critical Mission in Dutch Waters
On May 19, 2025, a specialized green tube vessel methodically scanned the seabed near The Hague’s Scheveningen Harbour, searching for potential threats to Europe’s underwater cable networks. The operation brought together six nations and more than 20 innovative companies and research organizations in a unified effort to protect infrastructure that has become increasingly vulnerable to sabotage. The mission represents a significant advancement in collaborative defense strategies for underwater communications networks that form the backbone of modern global connectivity.
“It’s not a question any more of if it will happen. The question is when the conflict will start. We have to be ready for it. And that’s what we’re doing here today,” said Rear Admiral Paul Flos.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the security of underwater infrastructure following several suspected acts of sabotage. In December, the EstLink 2 electricity cable and telecommunications cables between Finland and Estonia were damaged in what many believe was a deliberate act. Similarly, the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines were partially severed in September 2022 in what appears to have been sabotage, with investigations still ongoing.
The Growing Underwater Threat Landscape
Undersea telecommunication cables are the invisible lifelines of the global internet, carrying 99% of transoceanic digital communications and facilitating $10 trillion in financial transactions daily. Despite their critical importance, these cables remain surprisingly vulnerable to both accidental and intentional damage. Ship anchors alone account for approximately 30% of cable incidents annually, creating a significant risk of service disruption that can affect multiple countries simultaneously.
More concerning are the deliberate threats posed by hostile nations. Intelligence reports indicate that Russia has both the capabilities and the intent to target undersea telecommunications infrastructure. The Russian government has invested heavily in specialized submarines and underwater drones that can reach depths where cables are laid, making them capable of tapping into or severing these vital connections. Meanwhile, China controls a significant portion of the world’s telecom companies involved in undersea cable operations.
International Response and Security Measures
NATO has responded to these growing threats by launching the Baltic Sentry patrol mission, aimed at monitoring and protecting vulnerable underwater infrastructure in European waters. However, security experts argue that NATO’s traditional naval capabilities must evolve to address the unique challenges posed by submarine cable threats. The alliance faces difficulties in attribution and response options when cables are damaged, complicated by the fact that most underwater infrastructure is privately owned and operated across multiple jurisdictions.
Cable landing stations, where subsea cables connect to land-based networks, represent another significant vulnerability. These facilities often have minimal physical security and unclear governance structures, making them potential targets for espionage or sabotage operations. The international nature of these networks necessitates collaborative approaches to security, as demonstrated by the Scheveningen Harbour exercise, where multiple countries shared expertise and resources.
Public-Private Partnerships Proving Essential
The increasing involvement of “hyperscalers” like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon in the cable industry has changed the dynamics of underwater infrastructure security. These tech giants now manage the laying and operation of many underwater cables, making them critical partners in any comprehensive security strategy. Their significant financial resources and technical expertise make them valuable allies in protecting these assets from both accidental damage and deliberate attacks.
“If it works here, it works everywhere,” noted Rear Admiral Paul Flos regarding the collaborative approach being tested in Dutch waters.
Australia, the United States, and Japan have also increased their efforts to supply and protect undersea cables in the Pacific region, recognizing the strategic importance of these networks amid growing U.S.-China competition. These public-private partnerships are particularly important in regions where commercial viability alone would not justify cable construction but where strategic interests make connectivity essential. The security of these networks directly impacts national security for many Western nations.
