The organization is reinforcing its critical infrastructure with satellites and maritime drones following an increase in attacks on essential undersea cables crucial for global connectivity.
NATO is developing a strategic plan to implement a network of satellites that serves as a backup to the undersea fiber optic cables, which are essential for global data traffic. This initiative comes in response to a rise in recent incidents, such as the sabotage of cables in the Baltic Sea. The plan includes the deployment of maritime drones and a hybrid architecture known as HEIST (Hybrid Space-Submarine Architecture Ensuring Infosec of Telecommunications).
Undersea Cables: Critical Infrastructure Under Threat
Undersea cables carry more than 95% of the world’s data traffic, including financial transactions valued at over 10 trillion euros annually. However, they are vulnerable to accidental or deliberate cuts, such as the recent incident between Sweden, Estonia, and Finland, where a Chinese vessel intentionally damaged a cable by dragging its anchor for 160 kilometers.
These cables, which are roughly the thickness of a garden hose and located on the seabed, are not buried, making them resilient to the marine environment but extremely fragile against human activities or sabotage. Estimates suggest that around 100 cable cuts occur each year, resulting in a 16% disruption of global connections.
NATO’s Plan: Satellite Backup and Precise Detection
To address these threats, NATO is developing a hybrid system that combines satellites and underwater technology. Key advancements in the HEIST project include:
- Laser Satellite Network:
Current NATO satellites operate at speeds of 5 Gbps, far below the undersea cables, which can reach up to 340 Tbps. The new generation of satellites will utilize laser transmissions, increasing speeds to 200 Gbps, 40 times faster than the current satellites. This advancement, already partially implemented by Starlink, will provide more stable and faster connectivity as a backup in the event of cable cuts. - Damage Detection System:
HEIST also includes a system to locate damages in undersea cables with an accuracy of one meter. This system will enable quicker and more effective repairs, reducing downtime. - Automatic Rerouting:
Data affected by cable cuts will be automatically redirected to satellites, minimizing the impact on global communications and transactions.
Complementary Technology: Maritime Drones
In addition to satellites, NATO plans to deploy maritime drones to protect undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean. These devices will act as a barrier against potential sabotage and facilitate the detection of suspicious activities in strategic areas.
Global Impact and Open Cooperation
The HEIST project not only aims to protect connectivity in peacetime but also to ensure resilience during conflicts or international crises. Gregory Falco, the project director, announced that part of the development will be open-source, allowing international experts to collaborate in identifying vulnerabilities and accelerating the implementation of solutions.
Challenges and Outlook
While the project promises to significantly improve the security and stability of global communications, it faces technical challenges. The laser technology in satellites requires high precision to maintain stable connections, especially in low visibility conditions. Moreover, the cost of implementing and maintaining these technologies is considerable.
However, the combination of high-speed satellites, surveillance drones, and advanced detection technologies positions NATO as a leader in protecting critical infrastructure, marking a milestone in defending global connectivity against sabotage and other threats.
via: tom’s hardware