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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Australia’s Mogami-class frigates to feature RTX SeaRAM defence system]()
Australia’s Mogami-class frigates to feature RTX SeaRAM defence system
Under a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Raytheon will provide SeaRAM launchers, blast test vehicles and technical services for the Royal Australian Navy’s Sea3000 General Purpose Frigate programme.
-
![SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea]()
SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea
Turkey’s defence electronics company has unveiled two new uncrewed naval systems at SAHA 2026 – but the harder test will be converting it into an export success.
-
![Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year]()
Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year
CCGS Donjek is currently being prepared to start testing and be handed over to the Canadian Coast Guard in the second half of 2026.
