The Ministry of Defence Urged to Engage with UK’s Underwater Sector Amidst Rising Threats

The Global Underwater Hub (GUH), the leading trade and industry body for the UK’s subsea sector, has called on the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to collaborate with the country’s underwater industry to address potential threats to national subsea infrastructure. GUH emphasizes the importance of readiness in the face of what they describe as potentially “existential” attacks.

Outdated Procurement Mechanisms

Following the release of the UK government’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review, GUH highlights the inadequacy of the MoD’s procurement processes in keeping up with the rapidly evolving threats facing the nation. The organization suggests that the MoD needs to shift its perspective on the commercial underwater sector from being a mere supplier to a key partner in driving innovation.

Neil Gordon, Chief Executive of GUH, stresses the seriousness of the underwater threats faced by the UK. He warns that a successful attack on critical undersea infrastructure could have severe repercussions on the country’s economy, energy security, and society. Gordon points out the urgent need for the MoD to bridge the gap between its defense strategies and the technologies required to safeguard national borders.

Rising Underwater Threats

With hostile actors increasingly monitoring UK waters and hybrid threats becoming more prevalent, including cyberattacks on subsea data systems and physical interference with energy infrastructure, GUH asserts that the MoD must adopt a more agile and integrated approach to defense.

The organization has identified existing commercial technologies that can be repurposed for defense purposes without lengthy research and development cycles. These technologies, already utilized in offshore energy, subsea inspection, environmental monitoring, and autonomous operations, offer practical solutions for enhancing national security.

A Call for Proactive Defense Measures

Given the scale and immediacy of the underwater threats, GUH urges the MoD to proactively engage with the underwater sector and leverage available technologies to bolster defense capabilities. The organization emphasizes the importance of adaptability, speed, and collaboration across sectors to effectively mitigate risks to national subsea infrastructure.

In conclusion, GUH stresses the critical need for the MoD to modernize its approach to defense procurement and strategy to address the evolving underwater threats facing the UK. By embracing innovation and partnership with the commercial underwater sector, the country can enhance its resilience against potential attacks on vital subsea assets.