NATO ramps up defenses as Russian hybrid threats escalate
The growing threat from Russia is prompting NATO to devise a new strategy for protecting critical infrastructure. Hybrid attacks, including sabotage and cyberattacks, are becoming more frequent.
According to the Polish Press Agency, NATO countries are facing an increasing threat from Russia, which is intensifying its hybrid attacks. These include sabotage of infrastructure such as seabed cables and pipelines, and cyberattacks. In response, the Alliance is working on a new protection strategy.
A high-ranking NATO official emphasized that Russia is not the only threat. China, Iran, and North Korea are also conducting hybrid activities. A particular challenge is protecting critical infrastructure on the seabeds of the oceans. For years, Russia has been developing an underwater scientific research program that, in reality, serves to map NATO's infrastructure.
The Russians have advanced technologies, including underwater vessels and drones, which can damage cables or pipelines. In response, NATO has established a new maritime command in the United Kingdom, with the goal of protecting underwater installations.
NATO has collaborated with companies managing underwater infrastructure, enabling real-time information exchange. The Alliance is conducting joint exercises with these companies and working on improving technology, including the use of artificial intelligence. As the frequency of sabotage acts rises, more effective countermeasures are required.
NATO's new strategy
NATO is working on a new strategy that aims to help identify perpetrators of hybrid attacks and strengthen resilience against them. Allies have adopted high standards for protecting critical infrastructure against cyberattacks. The new strategy will include response models to hybrid attacks and exercises for these responses.
NATO member states will make decisions on responding to attacks. They can act individually or seek collective support. NATO also recognizes the threat from China, which in two cases destroyed cables owned by NATO countries in Europe. Work on the strategy is ongoing at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
Numerous incidents related to the security of critical underwater infrastructure located on the Baltic Sea floor have occurred in the past two years. One of the most recent occurred on November 17, when an underwater telecommunications cable running along the Baltic Sea floor between Lithuania and Sweden was damaged. An intensive investigation is underway to determine whether it was accidentally damaged or the result of deliberate action.
