AI satellites and sea drones unite to protect Europe’s critical waters

Irish space-AI firm Ubotica is joining forces with Dutch partners Fugro and DTACT to build a next-generation maritime surveillance platform designed to monitor Europe’s seas from orbit to ocean floor.

The “space-to-seabed” system will integrate real-time satellite imagery, underwater drone geodata, and cybersecurity intelligence to secure vital infrastructure such as subsea cables and gas pipelines.

The move comes amid rising tensions in the Baltic and North Seas, where covert threats—like the 2022 Nord Stream sabotage—have raised the stakes for maritime defence. NATO nations are investing heavily in high-tech monitoring tools, and this new platform aims to offer a dynamic, AI-powered picture of activity across vast stretches of European waters.

Initial deployments will target North Sea and Baltic hotspots, with governments in the region seen as early adopters of maritime defence innovation.

Explore how satellites and sea drones are reshaping maritime security. Full story here.