Germany and Finland suspect “hybrid sabotage” of undersea infrastructure
The Baltic Sea has hosted numerous international naval operations including in this image where USS Roosevelt was participating in Baltic Eagle. (Photo: US Navy/Petty Officer 2nd Class Elexia Morelos)
Without naming a culprit, the defence ministers of both nations expressed concern about “deliberate” severing of undersea internet cables.
Germany defence minister Boris Pistorius has said the severing of two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea looked like an act of sabotage and a “hybrid action.”
Two undersea fibre-optic communications cables were severed, one of which linked Finland and Germany over 730 miles. The other was an internet link between Lithuania and Sweden. The cables were severed on two separate days, one on the 17 November and one on the 18 November.
A joint statement from both countries’ defence ministers was carefully worded to avoid directly apportioning blame for the as-yet-unclaimed incident, but delivered strong suggestions in its allusions:
“A thorough investigation is
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027]()
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
![US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection]()
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
