NEWS STORY : UK Leads Charge to Protect Undersea Infrastructure with AI-Powered Surveillance System
STORY
Following suspected sabotage of a critical undersea cable in the Baltic Sea, the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has activated a cutting-edge surveillance system to monitor maritime activity and protect vital infrastructure. On Christmas Day 2024, the Estlink 2 undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia suffered an unexpected outage. This incident, suspected to be an act of sabotage by a vessel linked to Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, has sent ripples of concern across Europe, highlighting the vulnerability of critical undersea infrastructure in a new era of geopolitical tensions. In response, the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has activated ‘Nordic Warden’, an AI-powered surveillance system designed to monitor maritime activity and protect vital undersea cables and pipelines.
The JEF is a UK-led multinational military partnership formed in 2014 to provide a rapid response force for crisis situations in Northern Europe and the High North. Comprising ten like-minded nations – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK – the JEF combines high-readiness forces from all branches of the armed forces. While capable of acting independently, the JEF can also integrate into larger international operations led by NATO, the UN, or other security coalitions. Notably, the JEF can operate with as few as two participating countries if a need arises. This flexibility allows for rapid response and tailored deployments based on the specific situation Nordic Warden, developed with input from all ten JEF nations, leverages AI to sift through vast amounts of data, including ship positions and movement patterns. The system flags suspicious vessels, particularly those identified as part of the Russian shadow fleet, and alerts JEF and NATO allies in real-time.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of this initiative for national security and economic growth, stating, “This government is working closely with our allies to protect critical national infrastructure, such as undersea cables.” Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the system’s innovative use of AI, stating that it allows for “unprecedented ability to monitor large areas of the sea with a comparatively small number of resources.” He added that Nordic Warden will help protect against both deliberate sabotage and accidental damage.
Currently, 22 key areas are under surveillance, including parts of the English Channel, North Sea, Kattegat, and Baltic Sea. The system was successfully trialled in 2024 and recently during Exercise Joint Protector, demonstrating the JEF’s rapid response capabilities. This initiative builds on the UK’s ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet, including sanctions on tankers and a new agreement requiring proof of insurance from suspect vessels in the Baltic Sea. In a joint statement, JEF members expressed concern over the Estlink2 incident, highlighting the “risks to vital communication and energy networks essential for the security and prosperity of all our nations.” They reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding shared interests and regional stability.
