The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has launched “Nordic Warden,” a UK-led reaction system designed to monitor threats to undersea infrastructure and track Russia’s shadow fleet, according to a press release.
The activation follows reported damage to the Estlink2 undersea cable in the Baltic Sea, which Finnish authorities have suggested may have been caused by a tanker associated with Russia’s shadow fleet.
The system utilises artificial intelligence to analyse data from sources such as the Automatic Identification System (AIS) to assess the risk posed by vessels entering designated areas of interest. If a threat is detected, the system monitors the vessel in real time and sends warnings to JEF nations and NATO allies.
According to a statement:
“The operation, activated last week and named Nordic Warden, harnesses AI to assess data from a range of sources, including the Automatic Identification System (AIS) ships use to broadcast their position, to calculate the risk posed by each vessel entering areas of interest. The JEF action reinforces existing and planned NATO responses.
Specific vessels identified as being part of Russia’s shadow fleet have been registered into the system so they can be closely monitored when approaching key areas of interest. If a potential risk is assessed, the system will monitor the suspicious vessel in real time and immediately send out a warning, which will be shared with JEF participant nations as well as NATO Allies.”
Highlighting the innovation behind Nordic Warden, Defence Secretary John Healey said, “Harnessing the power of AI, this UK-led system is a major innovation which allows us the unprecedented ability to monitor large areas of the sea with a comparatively small number of resources, helping us stay secure at home and strong abroad.”
The Estlink2 incident on Christmas Day caused significant disruptions, underscoring vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. A joint statement from JEF members explained the broader implications of the damage: “This is another example of maritime incidents causing direct economic and security implications for Finland and Estonia, highlighting the risks to vital communication and energy networks essential for the security and prosperity of all our nations.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer framed the launch of Nordic Warden as part of the UK government’s broader objectives. “Growth and national security are vital to our Plan for Change, which is why this government is working closely with our allies to protect critical national infrastructure, such as undersea cables,” Starmer said, adding, “I am pleased we are launching this cutting-edge technology so soon after the JEF Summit to enhance European security and deliver on our Plan for Change.”
Nordic Warden, which was trialled during the 2024 JEF Exercise Joint Protector, currently monitors 22 areas of interest, including the English Channel, North Sea, and Baltic Sea. Personnel from all JEF nations collaborate at the JEF’s operational headquarters in Northwood, UK. The system complements existing NATO measures and reinforces European security by enabling swift responses to maritime threats.
Healey further detailed the system’s dual purpose of countering both intentional and unintentional threats: “Nordic Warden will help protect against both deliberate acts of sabotage as well as cases of extreme negligence which we have seen cause damage to underwater cables.”
The JEF, comprising 10 nations including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, and Sweden, remains committed to safeguarding critical infrastructure. In a statement, the alliance commended Finland and Estonia for their swift response to the Estlink2 incident: “We remain committed to supporting Participant Nations, NATO, and Allies in safeguarding our shared interests and regional stability.”
“Change” “Change” “Change”
There it is again….
Monitoring is good, of course. But what is NATO actually going to DO if a suspicious ship appears on the system ?
The west needs to seize ship and crew or prevent passage. Russia & china will deny involvement and protest. Cannot see how ripping sea cables can be tolerated for any length of time. China has previously exploded a satellite creating debris, these regimes are capable of random chaotic acts.