UK-Led Joint Expeditionary Force System to Monitor Undersea Threats and Russian Shadow Fleet.

According to information published by the UK MoD on January 6, 2025, the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has activated a UK-led reaction system, Nordic Warden, to counter threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor Russia’s shadow fleet. This initiative comes amid growing concerns following reported damage to the Estlink2 undersea cable in the Baltic Sea, an incident raising alarm over the security of critical maritime networks.
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The Joint Expeditionary Force activates Nordic Warden, a UK-led AI-powered system, to safeguard undersea infrastructure and monitor maritime threats. (Picture source: UK MoD)

Nordic Warden employs artificial intelligence to analyze data from multiple sources, including the Automatic Identification System (AIS) used by ships to broadcast their positions. By leveraging AI, the system evaluates potential risks posed by vessels entering sensitive areas. Any suspicious activity triggers real-time monitoring and alerts shared across JEF member nations and NATO allies.

The system has registered specific vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, enabling closer monitoring as they approach areas of strategic importance. This capability strengthens international defenses against both deliberate sabotage and incidents of extreme negligence impacting vital underwater infrastructure.

The UK government has positioned Nordic Warden as a key component of its broader strategy to protect critical infrastructure.

The UK Defense Ministry has underlined the value of AI-driven solutions like Nordic Warden, which allow extensive maritime monitoring with minimal resource expenditure.

Nordic Warden oversees 22 critical maritime zones, including areas in the English Channel, North Sea, Kattegat, and Baltic Sea. Its operational headquarters at Northwood, staffed by personnel from all 10 JEF nations, facilitates seamless collaboration and rapid response to potential threats. This initiative complements existing NATO measures and strengthens European defense capabilities.

The system underwent rigorous testing during trials in 2024 and during Exercise Joint Protector, a large-scale deployment of JEF forces in Latvia.

The damage to the Estlink2 cable has underscored the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure. Finnish authorities have indicated that the incident may be linked to a tanker associated with Russia’s shadow fleet, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by such vessels.

Nordic Warden forms part of a broader effort by JEF nations and their partners to counter maritime risks. The UK has led initiatives to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet, targeting vessels used to evade sanctions and fund illicit activities.

The Joint Expeditionary Force, comprising Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK, is designed for high readiness and adaptability.