by A novel underwater drone has been developed by British defense specialists to safeguard submarine cables and energy pipelines from potential Russian interference.
The video demonstrates the device, modified from a readily available remotely operated vehicle (ROV), moving towards and attacking a mock objective.
The robot will assist in addressing sabotage threats and removing unexploded ordnance, performing tasks that typically endanger both divers and their ships.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), which is a part of the Ministry of Defence, has developed this equipment in collaboration with industry partners with the objective of saving lives at sea.
Specialists have integrated or created systems allowing the ROV to identify unexploded ordinance and deploy explosives for safe detonation from afar.
Tests for the initiative supported by the Royal Navy have already been conducted at Horsea Island in Portsmouth. Portland A harbor exists in Dorset, South Wales, and also in Norway.
The robot is capable of functioning at depths beyond what divers can achieve and can perform tasks securely for extended periods — examining the ocean floor for dangers and addressing them as needed.
This system can be deployed either from a vessel or a coastline and functions through remote operation. It sends video and sonar imagery back to those controlling it, enabling them to address potential threats from afar.
DSTL explosives engineer John stated: "This technology would serve as an invaluable resource to ensure the safety of our military personnel while also offering taxpayers good value."
'This distinctive feature, equipped with sensors, instruments, and cameras, will enable operators to address these submarine dangers in a secure, effective, and efficient manner in real-time.'
The equipment, developed in collaboration with Alford Technologies, Atlantas Marine, Sonardyne, and ECS Special Projects, typically survives intact and can thus be utilized repeatedly.
This follows Britain's Strategic Defence Review from last week, which cautioned that 95 percent of the UK's data is transmitted through undersea cables susceptible to attacks.
It was mentioned: "Submarine pipelines and communication cables are essential for maintaining everyday national activities. The marine environment is becoming more susceptible to threats."
The Royal Navy needs to be ready to prevent maritime events akin to the sabotage of the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline and the severing of underwater communication cables in both British and global waters.
Last month, Foreign Secretary David Lammy traveled to Norway and Iceland to examine steps these countries are taking to address Russia’s activities in the Arctic region. This includes assessing the dangers posed by Vladimir Putin’s ships to critical underwater cables and infrastructure.
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