Seabed Defence

The underwater battlespace is changing faster than perhaps any other in the maritime domain.

And that’s why Navy Leaders is so excited to introduce the newest addition to its portfolio: Seabed Defence.

Because the modern world is more connected and interdependent than ever, we are ever more reliant on critical undersea infrastructure (CUI).

That includes the high-speed fibreoptic data cables which carry more than 95% of our internet traffic, data and communications; the electricity cables which help carry power from offshore windfarms into our homes; and the pipelines which transport critical oil and gas supplies between nations.

All of the above means the defence of CUI, including subsea cables, pipelines and offshore energy platforms has become a key priority.

If proof were needed, witness the recent launch of NATO’s Baltic Sentry to provide 24/7 protection for CUI, and its choice of the Baltic to kickstart its brand-new Task Force X initiative, using autonomous drones and other emerging technologies to provide 360° situational awareness.

The pace of change seems to be only accelerating. Capabilities of uncrewed and autonomous systems above, on, and below the waves are growing rapidly, alongside increasing adoption of AI in both civil and military spheres, the Joint Expeditionary Force’s new Nordic Warden system being just one example. 

The increasing frequency of CUI-related stories in the news tells you just what a hot topic undersea defence has become, from the frequent suspected sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic and South China Seas, to NATO allies’ navies constantly tracking spy ships and sanction-busting “shadow fleet” merchant vessels.

Our inaugural Seabed Defence 2026 (SD26) event will be staged in Gothenburg on February 3-5 alongside our annual Navy Tech conference. Upwards of 500 attendees from more than 30 nations will listen to presentations from more than 35 speakers and interact with 30-plus exhibitors.

SD26 will bring together leaders from the maritime community and industry to explore both the range of growing threats and the innovative solutions seeking to tackle them in this new frontier of defence.

Our programme will address everything from the strategic importance of seabed defence and the need for multinational collaboration and policy development, to new ways of responding to seabed threats.

It will encompass everything from ways of countering hybrid warfare tactics to the latest innovations in sensor technology and autonomous air, surface and underwater systems.

Attendees will be able to engage with global experts at the forefront of seabed defence, including asset-owners, policymakers, maritime and military leaders and technologists, offering unparalleled opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking.

And there will be commercial opportunities for civilian and defence-focused firms alike to gain intelligence, showcase capabilities, identify new markets and forge strategic partnerships.

Nathan Martin, CEO of Defence Leaders, the firm behind the Navy Leaders portfolio, commented: “Increasingly defending our way of life means being vigilant when it comes to what’s happening under the waves off our coastlines. Recent events have shown just how easy it is for malign actors to exploit vulnerabilities, all the while protesting their innocence.

“Navy Leaders is proud to play its part in bringing together the key stakeholders in this new fight: the navies who protect us, and the academia, industry firms and government bodies who provide them with the knowledge and tools to do so.” 

• If you are interested in either speaking at or attending SD26 on February 3-5, 2026 in Gothenburg then please call Defence Engagement Executive Nicholas Stanig on +44 1245 407 935 or email nicholas @defenceleaders.com