Login
iscover
The Joint Expeditionary Force has activated an advanced UK-led response system to track potential threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor the movements of Russia’s shadow fleet.
The activation of Nordic Warden, under Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) protocols, comes in the wake of reported damage to a major undersea cable in the Baltic Sea and effectively demonstrates the alliance’s ability to respond swiftly to potential threats using a range of adaptable options.
The JEF, a 10-nation coalition with the UK as its framework nation, has issued a statement expressing concern over the damage to the Estlink2 cable. The statement reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to safeguarding shared interests and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure.
Last week, the JEF launched Operation Nordic Warden, leveraging artificial intelligence to analyse data from various sources, including the Automatic Identification System (AIS) used by ships to broadcast their positions. The system evaluates the risk posed by vessels entering areas of strategic importance and integrates these findings into NATO’s existing and planned responses.
Russian shadow fleet vessels identified as potential threats have been registered in the system to allow close monitoring when they approach critical zones. If a vessel is deemed a risk, the system provides real-time tracking and immediately issues warnings. These alerts are shared with JEF member nations and NATO Allies, ensuring a coordinated and rapid response to emerging threats.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, “I am pleased we are launching this cutting-edge technology so soon after the JEF Summit to enhance European security and deliver on our Plan for Change.”
This initiative underscores the JEF’s and NATO’s collective determination to protect vital infrastructure and maintain stability in the region. The activation follows reported damage to the Estlink2 undersea cable on Christmas Day in the Baltic Sea. Finnish authorities suspect the damage may have been caused by a tanker belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet – vessels used to evade international sanctions.
The JEF’s operational headquarters in Northwood is currently monitoring 22 areas of interest, including parts of the English Channel, North Sea, Kattegat and Baltic Sea. Personnel from all 10 JEF member nations – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK, as the framework nation, work collaboratively at the headquarters to coordinate the effort.
British Defence Secretary John Healey stressed the importance of Nordic Warden, saying, “Nordic Warden will help protect against both deliberate acts of sabotage as well as cases of extreme negligence which we have seen cause damage to underwater cables.”
Nordic Warden was initially trialled in mid-2024 and later refined during the JEF’s Exercise Joint Protector. This exercise, held in Latvia, involved the deployment of more than 300 UK personnel and demonstrated the UK’s ability to establish and operate the JEF headquarters abroad at short notice.
“The UK and JEF are leading the way in providing support to our allies to help safeguard the offshore infrastructure we all rely on against potential threats. Harnessing the power of AI, this UK-led system is a major innovation which allows us the unprecedented ability to monitor large areas of the sea with a comparatively small number of resources, helping us stay secure at home and strong abroad,” Secretary Healey said.
The UK has also been at the forefront of international efforts to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet. As part of a global initiative announced by the Prime Minister at the European Political Community last year, the UK has sanctioned 93 oil tankers used by Russia to bypass sanctions and fund its illegal war in Ukraine. Additionally, the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Finland and Estonia recently agreed to require proof of insurance for suspected shadow fleet vessels transiting the Baltic route, further tightening restrictions.
The JEF’s design as a high readiness, adaptable force allows it to respond rapidly to emerging threats worldwide, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of collective European security.
