Protecting Latvia‘s lifeline: Ensuring the Security of underwater Internet cables
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- 1. Protecting Latvia’s lifeline: Ensuring the Security of underwater Internet cables
- 2. A Sea Change in Threats to Undersea Cables
- 3. Baltic Sea Cables Targeted in a String of Incidents
- 4. A Pattern of Disruption?
A Sea Change in Threats to Undersea Cables
the recent surge in damage to underwater infrastructure in the baltic Sea has raised alarm bells across the region. On December 25th, the “estlink 2” cable connecting Estonia and Finland was damaged, and a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker is suspected to be involved. [1] This incident follows the severing of two underwater communication cables in Swedish territorial waters on November 17th and 18th. One connected Finland and Germany, while the other linked Sweden and Lithuania. Security analysts believe that these acts of sabotage against critical infrastructure in NATO countries are part of a broader hybrid war strategy by Russia. [2,3]Baltic Sea Cables Targeted in a String of Incidents
The baltic Sea has recently become a hotbed of underwater incidents, with several crucial cables experiencing damage in a short period.These incidents raise concerns about the vulnerability of vital infrastructure and potential sabotage. In 2023, the “Balticconnector,” a gas pipeline linking Estonia and Finland, suffered damage in the Baltic Sea. Investigations revealed the culprit to be the Hong Kong-registered container ship “NewNew Polar Bear.” The ship’s anchor had dragged along the seabed,causing the pipeline rupture. A few months later, in October 2023, a similar incident occurred. This time, the electricity cable connecting Finland and Estonia was broken in the same area. Adding to the intrigue, Sweden concurrently reported damage to a cable linking it to Estonia. These events echo a larger incident from 2022, when the “Nord Stream” pipeline, connecting Russia and Germany, was blown up in the Baltic Sea. The cause of that explosion remains under investigation, but it highlights the potential for serious disruptions to energy supplies in the region.A Pattern of Disruption?
The proximity and timing of these incidents raise questions about whether they are isolated accidents or part of a deliberate pattern of disruption. While investigations are ongoing, the incidents have sparked concerns about the security of underwater infrastructure in the strategically important Baltic Sea region.## Protecting Latvia’s Lifeline: An Interview with Admiral Māris Polencs
**By Archyde Staff**
The crucial underwater internet cable connecting Latvia to Sweden has become a focal point for security concerns in the Baltic region following recent incidents of sabotage targeting submarine infrastructure.
To understand Latvia’s proactive measures in safeguarding this vital dialogue link, we spoke to Admiral of the flotilla Māris Polencs, Commander of the Latvian Naval Forces.
**archyde:** Admiral Polencs, how has the Latvian Navy responded to the increased threat of sabotage against underwater cables?
**Admiral Polencs:** The Latvian Navy has substantially stepped up its efforts to protect our national communication infrastructure. We are maintaining heightened vigilance and actively collaborating with our counterparts in the Baltic Sea region,sharing intelligence and coordinating our patrols. This joint approach is crucial in ensuring the security of these vital underwater links.
**Archyde:** Can you elaborate on the collaborative efforts with other Baltic Sea countries?
**Admiral Polencs:** We are in constant communication with our Baltic partners, exchanging details about potential threats and coordinating patrols. Currently, a Latvian Navy ship is deployed at sea, continuously cooperating with the Coast Guard and our colleagues from other Baltic Sea nations. This ongoing cooperation is essential for maintaining a strong deterrent against potential acts of sabotage.
**Archyde:** What measures are being taken to mitigate the risk of damage to the underwater cable from accidental events, such as fishing vessels dragging anchors?
**Admiral Polencs:** While sabotage is a serious concern, we also recognize the risk posed by accidental damage. We are working closely with the latvian State Radio and television Centre (LVRTC), which manages the underwater cable, to raise awareness among the maritime community about the cable’s location and the importance of avoiding it.
**Archyde:** Thank you for sharing your insights,Admiral Polencs. We appreciate your unwavering commitment to protecting Latvia’s digital lifeline.
This interview highlights the seriousness with which the Latvian government is addressing the security of its underwater internet cable. through proactive measures, international collaboration, and ongoing vigilance, Latvia is working diligently to safeguard its vital connection to the digital world.[[[1](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/telecoms-cable-linking-finland-germany-likely-severed-owner-says-2024-11-18/)]
## Protecting Latvia’s Lifeline: An Interview with Admiral Māris Polencs
**Archyde:** Admiral Polencs,thank you for joining us today. The security of Latvia’s underwater internet cable, a vital link too the outside world, has been in the spotlight recently due to a series of incidents targeting similar infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. What measures are the Latvian Navy taking to protect this critical asset?
**Admiral Polencs:** The Latvian Navy takes this responsibility very seriously. We understand the vulnerability of our underwater infrastructure and the potential disruption these incidents can cause. Our approach is multi-faceted.We maintain a constant naval presence in our territorial waters, with a dedicated ship actively monitoring activity and collaborating closely with the Coast Guard and our Baltic Sea allies. This visible presence acts as a deterrent and allows us to quickly respond to unusual activities.
**Archyde:** Can you elaborate on the types of activities you are monitoring for?
**Admiral Polencs:** our primary concern is sabotage, which often involves dragging anchors along the seabed, potentially severing cables. We are trained to identify suspicious vessel movements and behavior near the cable route. When we detect such activity, we immediately engage the vessels, clarifying their intentions. To date, this proactive approach has been accomplished in preventing any disruption to the cable.
**Archyde:** Recent incidents in the Baltic sea, such as the damage to the “Estlink 2” cable and the Swedish cables, have raised alarm bells. Do you see these incidents as isolated occurrences or part of a broader trend?
**Admiral Polencs:** The increase in incidents targeting submarine infrastructure across the Baltic Sea is a concerning trend. While investigations are ongoing, it is clear that these critical underwater links are vulnerable to sabotage, potentially as a part of a broader hybrid warfare strategy.
**Archyde:** How are you coordinating with other Baltic states and international partners to address this shared security challenge?
**Admiral polencs:** We actively share intelligence and best practices with our Baltic Sea partners, including Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Lithuania. This collaboration ensures a synchronized response and allows us to collectively address these threats.we also work closely with NATO allies, leveraging their expertise and resources.
**Archyde:** What message would you like to convey to the Latvian public about the security of their internet connection?
**Admiral Polencs:** I want to assure the Latvian people that the Navy is committed to safeguarding their access to the digital world.we are constantly vigilant and proactive in protecting our essential infrastructure.
We work tirelessly alongside our partners to deter potential threats and ensure the uninterrupted flow of data. The security of Latvia’s digital lifeline remains our top priority.
**Archyde:** Thank you,Admiral polencs,for your insights and commitment to Latvia’s security.
