MPs and peers have launched an inquiry into how well the UK can protect its undersea internet cables, especially with increasing threats from Russia and China. The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy is diving into the UK’s readiness for attacks on these critical cables that link the country to the world.
This inquiry follows comments from Defence Secretary John Healey, who recently warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be targeting the UK’s essential undersea infrastructure. He pointed out that a Russian spy ship, the Yantar, was seen in British waters on January 20, 2025, reportedly mapping these underwater cables and gathering intelligence. Healey emphasized that the UK is aware of these activities and will take strong action to safeguard its interests.
Matt Western, the committee’s chairman, highlighted that about 99% of the UK’s data travels through undersea cables, making them appealing targets for hostile nations. He noted the increasing vulnerability as geopolitical tensions rise. Yet, he reassured that the UK has a solid resilience level, but he stressed the importance of understanding the risks: an attack could severely disrupt services.
Globally, about 500 cables carry 95% of internet traffic, and these cables are often in remote and hard-to-monitor locations. The UK relies on around 60 cables for connectivity, which offers some resilience if a couple are damaged. However, the concern is a coordinated attack on multiple cables during heightened tension, which could cause major disruptions.
The 2025 National Risk Register warns that loss of transatlantic cables could lead to “considerable disruption” in essential services, particularly financial services that depend on offshore data centers. There’s a history of cable severing incidents in Northern European waters, with Russian vessels frequently spotted near high-density cable areas, prompting nations to reassess their undersea security.
A recent incident on December 25, 2024, saw the Russian-linked oil tanker Eagle S drag its anchor for 60 miles, damaging a power cable linking Finland and Estonia, as well as four data cables. Finland has since impounded the tanker.
In response to these threats, the UK, in cooperation with military partners, initiated Operation Nordic Warden in January 2025. This operation aims to track threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor Russian maritime activities. They plan to use artificial intelligence to analyze data from various sources, including the Automatic Identification System, which ships use to announce their location.
This inquiry will assess the UK’s defenses for subsea infrastructure, explore options for deterrence, enhance collaboration with military allies, and evaluate the country’s resilience to potential major disruptions in internet connectivity. The committee has set a deadline of March 6 for gathering evidence.