PLA Scientists Warn Submarine Cables Are Vulnerable to Attacks

Chinese military researchers indicate that underwater cables, critical for global data, face threats from inexpensive drones. The seabed is now viewed as a strategic point of contention among major powers.

Chinese military scientists have alerted that submarine cables, which carry approximately 99% of global data, could become prime targets for attacks, particularly from low-cost drones. These underwater infrastructures are essential for supporting the international digital economy, and their vulnerability poses a significant risk to global communications and data flow.

For years, the seabed was considered a strategic 'blind spot' due to the challenges of exploration and the high costs associated with monitoring these underwater cables. However, recent assessments indicate this area is evolving into a critical theater for great power rivalry. Increased geopolitical tensions have highlighted the need for enhanced protection of these essential infrastructures.

The researchers, including Shi Guanglei and Shi Haiming from the National University of Defense Technology, emphasized that the barriers to entry for underwater warfare are diminishing. The rise of low-cost drone technology means that states and non-state actors could exploit these assets, raising the stakes in an increasingly complex international landscape.

Operationally, these submarine cables span vast distances across oceans and seas, with undersea warfare capabilities becoming more pressing. Modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with surveillance and attack features could threaten the security of these vital communication lines. This shift necessitates advanced defense mechanisms to secure these channels effectively.

In the long term, the growing awareness of vulnerabilities will likely prompt countries to invest heavily in protecting their undersea cables. This development could lead to an arms race in underwater warfare capabilities, further complicating the already intricate geopolitical dynamics in maritime domains.