The UK has introduced the Nordic Warden system to track potential threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor movements of the Russian 'shadow fleet.' Defense Secretary John Healey announced this initiative in the House of Commons, highlighting the UK's commitment to countering Russian aggression beyond Ukraine.
This system was launched in response to damage to a critical power cable between Finland and Estonia, suspected to be linked to a Russian vessel. Healey stated, 'Russian aggression is not simply confined to Ukraine,' emphasizing the need for vigilance.
The Nordic Warden system, operated from Northwood, utilizes AI to analyze data from various sources, including the Automatic Identification System (AIS) used by ships to broadcast their positions. It assesses risks posed by vessels entering critical areas and sends immediate alerts to Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) members and NATO allies for coordinated responses.
The Defense Ministry confirmed that specific vessels associated with the Russian shadow fleet are already registered in the system, allowing for close surveillance as they approach strategic locations.