What's Happening?
A UK parliamentary committee has recommended that the Royal Navy (RN) focus on developing specific operational outputs to address threats to critical underwater infrastructure (CUI). The House of Lords
Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy emphasized the UK's strategic reliance on CUI, such as seabed cables, and the deteriorating security environment. The report, titled 'Subsea telecommunications cables: resilience and crisis preparedness,' highlights the need for tougher defensive preparations to deter potential sabotage efforts. The committee identified new roles for the RN in protecting seabed CUI, acknowledging the challenges of military operations in this domain.
Why It's Important?
The report underscores the strategic vulnerability of the UK in the event of hostilities targeting its underwater infrastructure. As global tensions rise, safeguarding CUI becomes crucial for national security, economic stability, and communication networks. The Royal Navy's enhanced focus on CUI protection could deter adversaries and prevent disruptions to vital services. This development reflects a broader recognition of the importance of securing critical infrastructure in an era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and technological reliance.
