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In the murky depths off Scotland’s west coast, a sleek underwater glider known as the SG-1 Fathom silently navigates beneath the surface, undertaking a crucial surveillance mission. Resembling a torpedo outfitted with wings, this autonomous device is deployed to detect potential threats lurking in the ocean’s shadows. As Katie Raine, the programme manager for Fathom, explains, “The glider patrols through the depths of the ocean monitoring and listening for adversaries that might be in the area.” Such adversaries are believed to include Russian submarines covertly operating near British territorial waters, suspected of collaborating with spy vessels to chart the UK’s sensitive undersea cables and pipelines.
Developed by the German defence firm Helsing and currently undergoing trials with the Royal Navy, Fathom employs advanced sensors to gather data continuously while moving discreetly through the water. Designed to operate independently for extended periods—potentially for months—the glider coordinates with numerous counterparts, leveraging software built on decades of acoustic intelligence. Raine highlights the significance of this technology by noting, “The glider processes and identifies threats more quickly than we’ve been able to do previously.” Should the trials prove successful, Fathom is expected to integrate into Atlantic Bastion, a broader defensive initiative comprising drones, warships, and surveillance aircraft tasked with safeguarding vital underwater infrastructure.
The Ministry of Defence revealed details of the Atlantic Bastion project in response to what it describes as a surge in Russian submarine and underwater activity around the UK. Citing a reported 30% increase in Russian vessels posing threats in UK waters over the past two years, the government stresses the urgency of bolstering maritime security. However, Russia counters these claims, accusing the UK of provocation. Concerns about the security of undersea infrastructure were underscored by the parliamentary National Security Strategy Committee in September, which expressed doubt over the UK’s readiness to defend its underwater cables, warning any breach could disrupt critical financial and communication systems. Among recent incidents, a Russian vessel named Yantar reportedly targeted RAF pilots with lasers while being tracked near UK waters, prompting Defence Secretary John Healey to condemn the actions as “deeply dangerous” due to the ship’s repeated crossings of the UK’s exclusive economic zone.
During a recent visit to Portsmouth, Healey emphasized the importance of investing in emerging maritime technologies to maintain an edge over Russian adversaries. Aboard the Royal Navy’s experimental vessel XV Patrick Blackett—used as a platform for testing new innovations—Healey pointed out an array of such technologies, including remote-controlled speedboats and Proteus, the navy’s first pilotless helicopter. The dock also showcased Excalibur, a substantial unmanned submarine launched earlier this year. Healey remarked, “We know the threat that Russia poses… We track what their ships do. We track what their submarines are doing. We know that they are mapping our undersea cables and our networks and our pipelines, and we know that they are developing new capabilities all the time to put those at risk.”
Working alongside his Norwegian counterpart Tore O Sandvik, Defence Secretary Healey recently signed the Lunna House Agreement, a pact to collaboratively hunt Russian submarines and protect underwater assets. Stressing the evolving nature of these threats, Healey remarked, “It’s a rapidly evolving threat and that’s why it requires a rapid response from the UK.” For First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the task of outpacing this challenge is formidable. While acknowledging the heavy investment Russia continues to make into its submarine fleet despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Jenkins remains cautiously optimistic, stating, “We’re still ahead in the Atlantic, but it’s not by as much of an advantage as I would like. We’re being pressed, and we’re definitely in the competition to stay ahead of where the Russians are.” However, some experts remain skeptical. Professor Peter Roberts of the Royal United Services Institute critiques the Royal Navy’s approach as insufficient, suggesting the current strategy merely attempts to mask deeper deficiencies. He contends that the UK has neglected its post-World War Two duty to protect the western Atlantic and is now attempting to compensate by relying heavily on drones instead of new ships. Roberts warns that Russia currently operates largely unchallenged in British waters and that the new strategy is more reactive than proactive.
On the diplomatic front, Russia dismisses UK concerns, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova asserting that the Lunna House Agreement is being used to unjustly monitor Russian naval movements, risking unnecessary conflicts in international seas. Despite this, the UK military remains vigilant, maintaining a clear focus on the threat and collaborating closely with industry partners to enhance protective measures for undersea infrastructure
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