Pollard: UK needs more hybrid naval assets to protect cables

The UK Armed Forces Minister, Luke Pollard, has confirmed that the government is actively pursuing plans to expand its hybrid capabilities at sea, including the protection of undersea cables, with particular emphasis on leveraging successful foreign models and greater industrial involvement.

Speaking before the House of Commons Defence Committee on 25 March, Pollard highlighted the importance of the RFA Proteus in defending subsea infrastructure—an increasingly critical domain in the so-called “grey zone” between peace and conflict.

“We do [need more assets], and that was the original plan. RFA Proteus was supposed to be one of two ships when originally planned by the last Government,” he said, suggesting that the current fleet may be expanded.

The Minister also pointed to Norway’s model of involving private industry in cable protection as a possible blueprint for the UK. “The Norwegian model, where industry takes a much bigger role in the protection of critical undersea infrastructure that they are responsible for, is also something that we are looking at,” said Pollard.

“There is a real opportunity, as we deepen our defence relationship with Norway, that it is not just about mil-to-mil engagement.”

Derek Twigg MP pressed the minister to clarify whether this shift implied both more defence assets and a greater expectation on industry. Pollard confirmed: “When we are looking at a whole-of-society approach, there are some really good models… There is a lot to learn from their offshore industries that could really benefit us.”

Committee Chair Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi concluded the session by expressing appreciation for the work of RFA Proteus and its sister ship RFA Stirling Castle. He also thanked the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) for its critical role in safeguarding the UK from cyber threats, noting that the UK remains the third most targeted nation globally.

Dhesi used the closing moments to seek the Minister’s cooperation on classified briefings regarding sensitive operations. “I wanted to ask, on behalf of the Committee, if we could have your undertaking for classified or, in particular, secret briefings on, for example, Operation Kindred or Operation Hirst,” he said.

Pollard agreed, replying: “I would be really happy to. We want to create a deeper relationship between Parliament and the MOD. With this group, without phones, I am absolutely happy having those conversations.”

The discussion comes amid heightened concern over grey zone activity, including hybrid threats targeting undersea infrastructure, misinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks. The UK has increased investment in platforms like the RFA Proteus in recent times as part of a broader strategy to counter state-based threats below the threshold of armed conflict.