NATO Plans Emergency Satellite Internet for Crisis Situations

• Project HEIST aims to address threats to underwater cables
• HEIST implements laser optics for enhanced communication
• Over 1 million kilometers of fiber cables carry vast amounts of data

The recent disruptions to undersea cable systems have raised alarms over the vulnerability of global internet infrastructures. In response, NATO is developing a satellite-based backup system to protect these critical communication pathways. This initiative, called HEIST (Hybrid Space-Submarine Architecture Ensuring Infosec of Telecommunications), particularly addresses risks highlighted by a significant incident involving the cargo ship Rubymar in February 2024. The incident, resulting from a missile attack, severed three critical fiber-optic cables in the Red Sea, impacting a substantial portion of internet traffic between Europe and Asia.

Table of Contents

• Current Internet Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
• NATO’s Strategic Response
• The HEIST Project Details
• Future-Proofing Communication Technologies

Current Internet Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

Intercontinental internet communications heavily rely on undersea fiber-optic cables, with approximately 95% of global traffic transmitted through these lines. Stretching over 1.2 million kilometers, these cables are laid across the ocean floor, often unprotected and susceptible to both accidental damage and intentional sabotage.

The damaging event involving the Rubymar exemplifies the precariousness of this infrastructure. This incident disrupted about 25% of internet traffic between Europe and Asia, underscoring the urgent need for solutions to safeguard these vital connections. Moreover, there are growing fears regarding deliberate acts of sabotage, particularly by state actors such as Russia and China, prompting even more immediate concerns about the resilience of global communications.

NATO’s Strategic Response

In light of these vulnerabilities, NATO has announced an array of measures aimed at protecting undersea cables. This includes the deployment of sea drones to monitor these cables proactively and respond swiftly to incidents. The focus is not only on detection but also on preventing future occurrences, whether by natural events or targeted attacks.

The Rubymar incident has been a wake-up call for many Western officials, who now recognize the imperative for enhanced security for such critical infrastructure. NATO’s new initiatives aim to create a multi-layered approach to internet safety, incorporating both physical and technological solutions to ensure continuous communication streams.

The HEIST Project Details

The HEIST project seeks to establish a robust framework for maintaining internet functionality during crises. Its primary objectives include:

• Rapid Damage Detection: Developing systems capable of quickly identifying and localizing breaks in undersea cables.
• Data Rerouting Capability: Expanding the ability to reroute internet traffic through alternative channels, including satellite communications.

This innovative project will commence testing in 2025 at the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden, collaborating with researchers from various countries including the US, Iceland, and Switzerland. A major innovation effort will focus on achieving precise break detection within one meter.

Future-Proofing Communication Technologies

One of the most significant advancements anticipated through the HEIST initiative is the exploration of satellite-based failsafes utilizing higher-bandwidth laser optics. Unlike traditional radio systems, laser technology can facilitate much greater data throughput, which is vital during emergencies when operational bandwidth is limited.

While fiber-optic networks provide exceptional speeds and reliability, the project acknowledges the potential of satellite communication as a viable alternative. Inspired by existing technologies like those used in Starlink satellites, which employ infrared lasers, the HEIST team aims to augment the effectiveness and efficiency of these systems.

NATO envisions developing a resilient network that integrates various technologies and platforms, ensuring uninterrupted and secure global communications even in emergencies. Although no single solution may suffice in isolation, the collaboration among nations and sectors promises to fortify the future of our interconnected world.