NATO wants its own fleet of unmanned drones for naval surveillance

NATO plans to develop USVs for naval surveillance to protect undersea cables.

: NATO is planning to develop unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) for naval surveillance to enhance monitoring and deter sabotage of undersea cables. The initiative is modeled after the US Navy's Task Force 59, which has successfully operated in the Gulf. Admiral Vandier aims to have the fleet ready by the next NATO Summit in June.

NATO is addressing the rise in undersea cable sabotage by developing unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) dedicated to patrolling crucial naval zones. This initiative aims to enhance the Alliance's monitoring capabilities on the sea's surface with future plans to extend surveillance underwater. Initial testing will commence before the political agreement among member nations is solidified.

Admiral Pierre Vandier, leading NATO's concepts and transformation unit, envisions the USV network functioning like CCTV cameras in high-crime areas, providing constant surveillance. The fleet will initially focus on protecting telecom infrastructure beneath seas like the Baltic and Mediterranean, recently targeted by alleged Russian saboteurs. NATO intends to mirror the successful model of Task Force 59, the US Navy’s unmanned systems unit operating effectively in the Gulf.

Task Force 59 has proven the viability of using unmanned technology, capturing sensor data and utilizing AI for real-time insights into surface activities. Admiral Vandier believes the necessary technology for NATO's USV ambitions is already available, making it a matter of implementation rather than innovation. Plans are underway to discuss experimental aspects with NATO allies before officially launching the fleet at the upcoming NATO Summit in the Netherlands.

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