“Instead of viewing the commercial underwater sector as a supplier of last resort, the MoD must view it as a primary partner of innovation,” said GUH chief executive Neil Gordon. “A single successful attack on a key undersea cable or offshore energy pipeline could have cascading effects on our economy, energy security and society. The disconnect between the MoD and the technologies that it must deploy to protect our borders is putting the country at risk.”
GUH noted that UK waters are under increasing surveillance from hostile players, from cyber attacks on subsea data systems to physical interference with energy infrastructure, both now realistic prospects.
GUH has identified commercially available technologies that could be adapted for defense without the need for prolonged R&D cycles, he added.
“In many cases, these solutions are already in deployment for offshore energy, subsea inspection, environmental monitoring and autonomous operations. GUH members are operating at the cutting edge of what is technically feasible, but without a significant mindset change, the UK government risks wasting a glaring opportunity with a sector that is ready and willing to engage," Gordon added.
