The NATO Research Vessel (NRV) Alliance has been experimenting with methods to protect undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Off the coast of Gotland, Sweden, scientists from the NATO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) are deploying cutting-edge acoustic sensors.
The sensors are tested to see if they could help NATO Allies detect and respond to sabotage of underwater pipelines and data cables. One key trial involves using ballast anchors to replicate the acoustic signature of an anchor drop – a method suspected in recent incidents of seabed interference. This research supports the development of tools to detect, track and assess such events in real-time.
The month-long mission also marks a milestone as NATO operates in newly accessible waters alongside its newest Allies, Finland and Sweden. The Baltic’s complex seabed and dense infrastructure provide an ideal test environment.
Also read: NATO trains to protect undersea infrastructure in Baltic Sea
Video of tech deployment
The video below includes shots of the NRV Alliance, NATO scientists at work and the deployment of cutting-edge sensing technologies. Soundbite from Dr Robert Been, Principal Scientist, NATO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation.
Picture and video by NATO.
