Addressing Growing Threats to Vital Infrastructures
Undersea fiber-optic cables are crucial not only as the backbone of global economic and communications networks but also for military operations. Recent incidents involving damaged cables—whether accidental or malicious—have largely occurred in European and Asian waters, yet the potential for similar threats to arise in the Middle East is increasingly evident. This situation demands urgent action from the United States to ensure the security of these vital infrastructures.
The Strategic Importance of Undersea Cables
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, undersea cables are responsible for transmitting about 97 percent of global data traffic and handling approximately $10 trillion in international financial transactions daily. The U.S. military heavily relies on these cables for strategic communications, as they facilitate faster and cheaper data transfer compared to satellite links. Despite existing redundancy in communication networks, even the severance of a single cable can significantly compromise communications effectiveness.
American adversaries are acutely aware of the U.S. dependence on undersea cables. Many of these cables are located at shallow depths (less than 400 meters) and their positions are publicly accessible. For instance, Russia’s Yantar—a vessel that operates under the guise of a research ship—has been reported to loiter near critical transatlantic cables, carrying submersibles that could potentially sever them.
Emerging Threats in the Middle East
The threat landscape for undersea cables in the Middle East is evolving, calling for increased U.S. vigilance. Houthi rebels in Yemen, for example, could target undersea cables in the Red Sea, as they possess unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) capable of sabotage, especially with support from external powers such as China, Iran, or Russia. Furthermore, Russian and Chinese vessels known for cable disruptions have been seen traversing the region.
The ramifications of severing cables in this area would be severe; just 16 undersea cables passing through the Middle East provide approximately 90 percent of Europe-Asia telecommunications and a considerable share of U.S. military communications.
Cost-Effective Solutions for Undersea Cable Protection
While Europe has responded to these threats by committing roughly $1 billion to enhance undersea cable security, similar efforts in the Middle East could be executed at a fraction of that cost. The U.S. Navy has made strides in improving maritime domain awareness, yet the focus on undersea cable security offers a new avenue for collaboration with Gulf states, which heavily rely on high-capacity undersea infrastructure for both economic and military operations.
The U.S. should spearhead the establishment of a maritime-centric common operating picture (COP) dedicated to monitoring undersea cables, using a model similar to the aerial-focused COP in place at U.S. Central Command’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Current joint maritime initiatives, such as the Combined Maritime Forces’ information-sharing platforms, lack the real-time operational capabilities needed; critical partners like the UAE have distanced themselves from existing frameworks.
Creating a Regional Monitoring Hub
To effectively respond to these challenges, the U.S. and its partners must create a regional maritime operations center that integrates existing efforts to monitor subsea threats. This hub should take inspiration from NATO’s Maritime Centre for Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure, launched in February 2024, to enhance information-sharing and bolster defensive measures.
Additionally, the Pentagon should leverage advancements in technology to deploy unmanned systems capable of surveilling both surface and subsea activities in the vicinity of undersea cables. These platforms would not only aid intelligence data collection but would also be crucial in detecting and neutralizing UUVs or sea mines used for sabotage. The objective is to ensure thorough monitoring and prompt notification of any subsea threats.
Deterring Adversaries and Building Partnerships
Publicizing the U.S. commitment to protecting undersea cables is essential to deter potential saboteurs. Enhancing the maritime sensor network will also enable key data exchanges about subsea threats among U.S. allies, including those not currently involved in the Combined Maritime Forces.
By centralizing monitoring efforts and significantly improving detection technology, the United States can bolster its strategic interests in the Middle East and indicate to adversaries that it is proactive in ensuring the protection of undersea cables—outpacing their efforts to undermine this critical infrastructure.
