Australia urged to lead Indo-Pacific cable shield as hybrid war risks rise

The cables that link Australia with the rest of the world lie mostly unseen beneath the seabed, traversing some of the Indo-Pacific's most contested waters. This vulnerability could become a strategic advantage, according to a new report urging Australia to become the "Indo-Pacific preferred cable hub" as threats to submarine cables rise.

The report, funded in part by the Australian Department of Defence, suggests that geopolitical concerns and investments from major technology firms could bring new investment into Australia's undersea infrastructure. The report highlights that around 99% of Australia's international data traffic flows through submarine cables, carrying critical information including financial transactions, government communications, cloud computing services, and the majority of internet traffic.

Incidents over the past few years, particularly around Taiwan and in Europe, have heightened concerns over the vulnerability of submarine cables. These incidents suggest state actors are actively probing these networks in peacetime, likely as part of broader hybrid warfare strategies. David Brewster, a senior research fellow at the Australian National University's National Security College, warns that the loss of international connectivity could send a country into a "digital dark age," with the first targets likely being international cables in hybrid wars or conflicts.

To enhance resilience, the report recommends improved international cooperation and enhanced security measures for Australia's cable networks. Australia's strategic location and political stability, along with its status as a trusted network partner, could attract international cable investments. Joint exercises, shared responsibilities and common standards should be developed among partner states and regional cable operators to address potential threats and incidents.