Denmark Tests Autonomous Sea Drones Amid Rising Russia Tensions
▼ Summary
– The Danish Armed Forces will trial four autonomous sea drones powered by wind and solar to patrol Northern Europe waters for criminal activity.
– The drones use sensors and cameras to gather real-time data, analyzed by machine learning to detect threats like submarines, illegal fishing, and undersea cable tampering.
– The initiative follows the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage and aims to counter rising maritime threats, particularly from Russia in the Baltic Sea.
– The drones, made by US-based Saildrone, will also perform deep-sea mapping to monitor underwater infrastructure like pipelines and energy platforms.
– Denmark is investing $614 million in new naval vessels, drones, and sonar equipment as part of a broader effort to enhance maritime defense.
Denmark is deploying cutting-edge autonomous sea drones to enhance maritime security in Northern Europe, responding to growing regional tensions. The Danish military will test four uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) equipped with advanced sensors and cameras to monitor underwater and surface activity. These solar- and wind-powered drones will scan for threats like illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and potential sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure.
The initiative comes amid heightened concerns following the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions, which revealed the vulnerability of subsea assets. With rising tensions in the Baltic Sea, Denmark is prioritizing high-tech surveillance to counter potential Russian aggression. The drones, developed by California-based Saildrone, use machine learning to analyze real-time data, identifying suspicious patterns and relaying alerts to authorities.
Originally designed for climate research, Saildrone’s fleet has shifted toward defense applications, with over 140 vessels now supporting security missions. Richard Jenkins, the company’s founder, emphasized the growing risks in European waters, stating that the partnership with Denmark will help safeguard undersea cables, pipelines, and energy platforms from covert threats.
The trial, launching in June, is part of Denmark’s broader $614 million defense upgrade, which includes new naval ships, sonar systems, and mine-hunting drones. The country has also established a Saildrone subsidiary in Copenhagen, positioning itself as a hub for maritime defense technology in Europe.
As NATO allies prepare for increased regional instability, autonomous systems like these could play a crucial role in securing vital sea routes and infrastructure. The move reflects a wider trend of militaries integrating AI and unmanned platforms to address evolving security challenges.
For those interested in defense innovation, discussions on emerging technologies will take center stage at upcoming industry events, highlighting how autonomous solutions are reshaping global security strategies.
(Source: The Next Web)
