Defending offshore wind farms and submarine cables

Offshore wind farms raise a question about the reach of missile defence against a peer opponent. Dispersed turbines would require many individual attacks, while their connecting cables create a different vulnerability. Submarine communications cables extend the problem from electricity supply to international data traffic. Their capacity and cost advantages limit what satellite systems can replace. The recommendation is for defence reviews to specify protective measures and patrol requirements for these assets. Routine maritime security leaves the separate problem of protection in a major conflict unresolved.