Defense Firms Expanded Subsea Surveillance Tools
Nations and companies accelerated the development of autonomous underwater vehicles to protect critical subsea infrastructure.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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Should the government prioritize funding for the security of critical underwater infrastructure?
As of July 2026, governments and defense firms are deploying autonomous underwater vehicles to monitor vulnerable subsea cables and pipelines. This shift follows the September 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines.
Why it matters
Conventional maritime patrol assets are often too expensive and scarce to monitor the vast network of global subsea infrastructure. Investing in autonomous technology addresses these security concerns while providing persistent surveillance coverage.
Euroatlas has secured over 100 million euros in GrayShark contracts, with future hydrogen fuel-cell models targeting an endurance of 16 weeks and a range of 8,000 nautical miles.
The players
Fincantieri
This Italian shipbuilding group is a major global player in naval and cruise vessel construction.
Euroatlas
This company specializes in power electronics and energy management systems for maritime and aerospace applications.
The details
Autonomous underwater vehicles patrol strategic areas of the seabed and report suspicious findings to operators, filling a critical gap in maritime security. Fincantieri recently expanded its capabilities in this sector through the 600 million euro acquisition of four specialized companies.
Timeline
September 2022: Nord Stream pipelines were ruptured by sabotage.
June 2023: China completed a 115.5-kilometer subsea pipeline.
Early 2026: Global subsea communications cable length surpassed 1.5 million kilometers.
July 2026: Fincantieri announced its 600 million euro acquisition plans.
The Tech Race
The development of autonomous underwater vehicles reflects a rapid shift away from relying solely on expensive, manned maritime patrol assets. This move positions firms like Fincantieri at the forefront of a technological arms race to secure vital subsea data and energy links against potential state-level interference.
Increased investment in subsea security helps ensure the stability of global internet connectivity and energy distribution. By preventing potential disruptions to undersea communications cables, these technologies protect the daily digital workflows and service reliability for users worldwide.
The takeaway
Autonomous underwater systems represent a shift toward persistent, low-cost monitoring of critical deep-sea zones. As infrastructure continues to expand, these vehicles will likely become a standard tool for maintaining global network and energy security.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving threats to digital and physical infrastructure, explore our Cybersecurity section.
Live Poll
Should the government prioritize funding for the security of critical underwater infrastructure?
