Danish researchers in Esbjerg have received major funding to develop new underwater drones that can detect and disable hostile drones threatening critical infrastructure such as seafloor cables and offshore wind farms.
Protecting Denmark’s underwater infrastructure
Researchers from Aalborg University in Esbjerg have secured nearly 80 million Danish kroner to strengthen protection of the country’s underwater assets. The initiative responds to growing security concerns around potential foreign interference and attacks on critical infrastructure on the seabed, particularly internet and energy cables.
The research team, based at the university’s Department of Energy, has started developing technologies that can monitor and safeguard the thousands of kilometers of power and data lines stretching along the ocean floor. These cables carry essential communication and electricity for both private and national use.
Because Denmark depends on these systems for everything from internet traffic to energy flow from offshore wind farms, researchers describe the work as vital to both society and individual consumers. Almost all global online data—about 99 percent—travels through such cables, making their protection crucial.
Two projects, one goal
The newly funded effort supports two parallel projects. The first focuses on surveillance drones designed to operate underwater and detect unfamiliar or suspicious underwater vehicles. The goal is to spot and document any intrusion attempts before they cause damage.
The second project aims to build an interceptor drone. This drone will be able to respond to a detected threat and neutralize an uninvited drone peacefully, without harming nearby installations. Researchers believe that by combining monitoring and reaction capabilities, Denmark can be better prepared against hybrid threats targeting offshore and underwater sites.
The projects have received backing from Innovation Fund Denmark and the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP), along with several private companies contributing technical expertise.
New challenges below the surface
Working underwater comes with unique obstacles. GPS does not function beneath the sea, visibility is poor, and wireless communication is limited. That makes it more complicated to navigate or coordinate vehicles. If cables or equipment become damaged, repairs are costly and slow.
Because of these conditions, developing reliable underwater surveillance and defense systems is far from straightforward. The Esbjerg lab is experimenting with advanced sensors and communication methods that allow drones to collect real-time data, even in deep or murky conditions. The team is testing equipment capable of monitoring power and data cables to ensure consistent electricity and connectivity.
Security concerns in Danish waters
The timing of the research is not coincidental. Denmark, like several European nations, faces a growing number of hybrid threats, including possible underwater sabotage linked to geopolitical tensions. Intelligence assessments have pointed out that some nations, including Russia, may have the capacity to target undersea infrastructure using specialized ships or submarines.
For that reason, Danish defense and intelligence services have emphasized improved surveillance across maritime areas. Alongside efforts such as the Danish Navy frigate patrols and other national initiatives, the Esbjerg research group’s work will complement military and civilian monitoring systems.
Three years to deliver results
The projects are planned to run over the next three years. During this period, teams will prototype and test new drone models capable of operating autonomously in deep waters. The first phase will involve lab testing in Esbjerg before moving to larger-scale field trials along Denmark’s west coast.
By the end of the program, Denmark hopes to have functional underwater drones that can monitor, identify, and safely disable unwanted drones or devices near critical sites. If successful, the technologies could help protect vital energy and data routes not only for Denmark but across Europe.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Navy frigate circles Copenhagen amid drone threats
The Danish Dream: Best insurance companies in Denmark for foreigners
DR: Forskere får millioner til at udvikle droner, der kan overvåge og ødelægge uvelkomne droner
