New network of
autonomous systems equipped with advanced sensors will create a unified
surveillance capability to improve the detection and monitoring of submarine
activity. Western officials have
warned Russia has increased activity around subsea infrastructure. In April, Britain said it had deployed
military vessels to deter Russian submarines who it said had spent more than a
month in and around British waters, warning Moscow that any attempt to damage
cables or pipelines would have "serious consequences". Russia has
denied the allegations. NATO allies
have strengthened surveillance of cables and pipelines in recent years.
Undersea cables carry
most global internet traffic and support financial transactions.