Seabed Warfare in a New Era of Geotech Conflicts

Syllabus: GS2/International Relations; GS3/Energy Security

Context

As nations increasingly rely on undersea infrastructure for communication, energy transmission, and resource extraction, the ocean floor has become a contested space.

Seabed warfare encompasses military operations conducted on, from, or targeting the ocean floor.
It involves the use of advanced technologies such as Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and submersibles to target critical undersea infrastructure, including:
- Communication Cables: Essential for global internet and data transmission.
- Energy Pipelines: Vital for transporting oil and gas.
- Sensors and Surveillance Systems: Used for monitoring and defense.
Geotech Conflicts refers to geopolitical tensions fueled by advancements in technology. In the seabed warfare domain, it includes:
- Cyber and Hybrid Warfare: Deep-sea drones and AI-powered submarines can conduct espionage or sabotage operations without detection.
- Autonomous Underwater Systems: Nations are developing advanced UUVs capable of surveillance, reconnaissance, and offensive operations.
- Seabed Militarization: There are growing concerns about ‘weaponizing’ the seabed, including installing mines or deploying offensive UUVs near critical infrastructure.

Communication Infrastructure: Over 95% of global internet traffic relies on undersea fiber-optic cables. These cables are essential for global finance, military communications, and internet connectivity.
Energy and Resources: The seabed hosts vast reserves of oil, gas, rare earth minerals, and polymetallic nodules.
- Underwater energy pipelines also form a critical part of global energy supply chains.
Military and Surveillance Operations: Nations deploy sensor networks, submarines, and UUVs for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and military operations on the ocean floor.

United States: It has Seawolf-class and Virginia-class submarines equipped with advanced seabed warfare tools.
China: It has developed deep-sea research submarines, underwater sensor networks, and artificial intelligence-driven seabed monitoring systems.
- The Great Underwater Wall—a surveillance network in the South China Sea—aims to detect enemy submarines and vessels.
Russia: The specialized Russian submarine Losharik and deep-diving research vessel Yantar have been linked to tap or cut undersea cables.
NATO & European Powers: NATO has increased its focus on protecting undersea infrastructure following recent suspected sabotage incidents, such as the Nord Stream pipeline explosions.
- European nations, including the UK and France, are investing in seabed security measures.
- Sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea in 2023 and 2024.

Strengthening Submarine Capabilities:
- Project 75 & Project 75I: Acquisition of Scorpène-class submarines (INS Kalvari) and planning for next-generation submarines.
- Nuclear Submarines like INS Arihant
Focus on Undersea Infrastructure Protection:
- India’s Deep Ocean Mission For Deep-Sea Mining & Resource Protection.
Seabed Surveillance & Unmanned Systems:
- Deployment of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs);
- Coastal & Deep-Sea Monitoring: Project By National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
Strategic Alliances & Cooperation:
- QUAD Partnership to enhance maritime security and undersea infrastructure protection in the Indo-Pacific.

Strengthening Seabed Surveillance: Nations are deploying AI-powered underwater sensors and satellite-based tracking systems to monitor suspicious seabed activities.
Legal and Policy Frameworks: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides some guidelines for seabed governance, but enforcement remains weak.
- A new international agreement on seabed security is needed.
Advancing Defensive Technologies: Development of anti-UUV systems to counter underwater drones.

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