NATO allies have disrupted a suspected Russian operation aimed at testing technology that could be used to damage critical undersea communication cables n the Arctic.
The operation was reportedly detected this spring near Norway’s remote Svalbard archipelago, where Russian vessels linked to Moscow’s Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research, known as GUGI, were observed conducting underwater exercises involving deep-sea submersibles.
Western officials said Britain, Norway and the United States jointly tracked the Russian vessels and intervened before the exercise could be completed. The vessels later withdrew from the area.
The reported operation adds to growing concerns among Western governments over the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure, which carries much of the world’s internet traffic and supports vital energy and communications networks.
Britain and Norway had previously disclosed that they were monitoring a covert Russian operation in Arctic waters.
However, details about the suspected technology, the location of the latest exercise and direct U.S. involvement had not previously been made public.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns among Western intelligence agencies that Russia could intensify sabotage activities across Europe as tensions between Moscow and NATO remain high.
