Cornelis Jan G.
Undersea cables are the lifelines of modern civilization. These extensive, often forgotten networks carry the weight of the global internet, transmitting over 95% of international data traffic. Financial markets, international communications, and military operations depend on their uninterrupted functioning. Yet, they are increasingly at risk due to state actors leveraging advanced maritime assets. Two vessels recently thrust into the spotlight—the Chinese cable-laying ship CS Fu Tai and the Russian intelligence ship Kildin—exemplify how geopolitical tensions are encroaching on the invisible infrastructure that powers the modern world.
Critical Role of Undersea Cables in Daily Life
Undersea cables are integral to daily life. Spanning the globe, these cables carry data at astonishing speeds, enabling international business transactions, real-time communication, and secure military coordination. Key networks, such as those connecting Europe and the Americas or linking Asia to global hubs, are especially critical. Despite their robust construction, with steel-reinforced sheathing and fiber-optic cores, they remain vulnerable to damage and manipulation, especially from sophisticated state actors.