Germany, Norway Propose NATO Undersea Defense Initiative

Germany and Norway have proposed the establishment of five regional underwater monitoring centers to enhance NATO's protection of critical undersea infrastructure, following concerns raised by recent sabotage incidents like the Nord Stream and Baltic Connector pipeline attacks. During their meeting on October 17, 2024, the defense ministers of both countries emphasized the necessity of safeguarding underwater energy pipelines and communication cables that are vital for economic stability and national security. They have advocated for NATO to take a more active role in this area, building on previous proposals made in 2022 and the establishment of the NATO Maritime Centre for Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure, operational since May 2024. The proposed centers would be strategically located in the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea, with each hub managed by an ally or group of allies. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram highlighted the urgent need for cooperation among NATO members to address these vulnerabilities effectively. The initiative aims to significantly enhance NATO's deterrence and response capabilities against hybrid threats targeting critical marine infrastructure.