NATO has initiated plans to develop a fleet of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) aimed at safeguarding critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic and Mediterranean seas.

Speaking to Defense News, Adm. Pierre Vandier, NATO’s commander for concepts and transformation, outlined the vision for the project. He compared the USV fleet to urban CCTV systems used for monitoring and crime prevention, emphasizing its potential to provide round-the-clock surveillance above and below the waterline.

“The technology is there to make this street-lighting with USVs,” Vandier said, adding that the capability would allow NATO to monitor its maritime environment daily.

The project’s initial phase will focus on surface-level monitoring, with plans to extend surveillance to underwater operations in the future.

Adm. Vandier noted that the initiative has already garnered strong backing from NATO’s central maritime command (MARCOM) and the alliance’s operational headquarters (SACEUR).

The fleet will likely utilize proven platforms, drawing on successful experiments conducted by the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 59, known for its work with unmanned and autonomous maritime systems.

The decision to advance a USV fleet highlights NATO’s commitment to protecting undersea cables and pipelines, which are vital to global communication and energy networks. The initiative aims to enhance the alliance's ability to respond to emerging maritime threats and ensure the security of critical infrastructure.

Further details on the timeline and funding for the project are expected as development progresses. (ILKHA)