NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Network Meets in Germany to Address Hybrid Threats

Representatives from NATO member states, Alliance experts, infrastructure operators, the European Union, and partner countries gathered in Rostock, Germany, on October 20 and 21, 2026, for a meeting of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Information Sharing Network.

The discussions focused on concrete actions to strengthen cooperation and data sharing to secure critical undersea infrastructure against rising hybrid threats. Attendees addressed methods to enhance operational capabilities, rapid response, resilience, and overall coordination.

During the event, participants attended an exhibition and demonstration of advanced technologies organized by the German private sector. The showcase featured uncrewed surface and underwater drones, uncrewed modular vessels, and mine countermeasures designed to improve detection, surveillance, and response capabilities.

"Data allows us to understand the situation in real time and increase our vigilance. Sharing it connects governments, private owners and operators, and the NATO enterprise," said Jean-Charles Ellermann-Kingombe, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Cyber and Digital Transformation and Special Coordinator for Hybrid Threats. Ellermann-Kingombe stated that critical infrastructure is increasingly targeted, citing events in Ukraine and hybrid attacks attributed to Russia against NATO nations.

According to NATO, this year's plenary session marked an expansion of the network, incorporating new private companies as well as partner nations from the Indo-Pacific and Middle East for the first time.

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