Royal Navy's Underwater Drones Enhance Atlantic Security

The Royal Navy has unveiled a new Atlantic strategy aimed at countering the increasing threat from Russian submarines. The SG-1 Fathom, a submarine glider developed by the German defense company Helsing, is currently being trialed by the Royal Navy.

This glider operates autonomously, patrolling undersea areas for months to monitor and gather intelligence on potential adversaries. According to Fathom's program manager, Katie Raine, the glider processes and identifies threats more quickly than previous technologies.

The initiative is part of the Atlantic Bastion program, which integrates drones, warships, and surveillance aircraft to protect undersea infrastructure such as cables and pipelines. The UK government has reported a 30% increase in Russian vessels threatening UK waters over the past two years.

Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the importance of investing in new technology to maintain an advantage over Russia. He stated that Russia continues to invest heavily in its submarine fleet despite the costs of the war in Ukraine.

The First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, emphasized the need for rapid responses to evolving threats. However, some experts, like Professor Peter Roberts from the Royal United Services Institute, criticize the Royal Navy's strategy as insufficient, claiming it reflects a history of neglect regarding the UK’s responsibilities in the Atlantic.

Additionally, Russian officials have dismissed the UK's actions as provocative, asserting that they risk unnecessary conflicts in international waters. The situation underscores the growing importance of maritime security and the protection of marine infrastructure in the face of geopolitical tensions.