New Royal Navy ship to protect 'critical' undersea cables

A new Royal Navy surveillance ship is to be built to protect "critical" undersea cables.

The Ministry of Defence said the cables, which are "vital to the global economy and communications between governments", are at "risk of sabotage" due to "submarine warfare".

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the new ship will protect critical national infrastructure, including the cables.

The announcement comes ahead of next week's defence review.

Hundreds of thousands of miles of undersea cables circle the globe, providing internet and communications links between nations and continents.

According to the MoD, the new Multi Role Ocean Surveillance ship will be fitted "with advanced sensors and will carry a number of remotely operated and autonomous undersea drones which will collect data".

The vessel, staffed by 15 people and due to come into service in 2024, will carry out operations in both UK and international waters.

The MoD added it will also "be able to support with other defence tasks, including exercises and operations in the Arctic which will become an increasingly contested area".