The activities of Russian submarines near important data cables in North Atlantic are making NATO increasingly nervous. "Russia has invested heavily in its navy, especially in submarines," said General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg of Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntag newspaper.

Since 2014, 13 more submarines have been delivered to Russia. The activities of Russian Navy are now at highest level since Cold War. The submarines are in use everywhere in Atlantic and now also "closer to our coastlines", said Stoltenberg.

As The Washington Post (WP) reported, Russian boats are also becoming more and more frequent in vicinity of important data cables. These are intended to ensure Internet traffic and or communication links to Europe and North America. Stoltenberg pointed out danger that connection could be capped by Russian activities. "For Transatlantic alliance need Wirsichere and open sea routes," said Secretary-General.

NATO's defence deficits

According to WP, se channels would also deal daily with trillions of dollars in trading transactions. If it succeeded to cap se ties, that would have immense consequences for global economy, said US admiral Andrew Lennon of American newspaper. "Russia clearly shows an interest in NATO's underwater infrastructure," Lennon said.

If cables were tapped, y could give Russia valuable insights into international internet traffic. According to WP, NATO wants to re-open a post-Cold War command post to secure North Atlantic.

Stoltenberg also pointed out current shortcomings of its own naval forces. "After end of Cold War, NATO has diminished its ability to sea, especially in fight against submarines," he said. "We have less practiced and lost skills."

Date Of Update: 24 December 2017, 12:02