The geopolitics of submarine cables is becoming a new arena of international conflict, with world powers competing for control of the communication infrastructure that crosses the oceans. Strategic submarine cables pass through the Azores, linking the American continent to Europe and transforming this Atlantic region into a critical hub for global communications.
The new operations center to be created on the island of Faial in the Azores emerges as a response to this reality, positioning Portugal more actively in the surveillance and protection of these critical infrastructures. The geographical location of the archipelago gives it unique strategic importance for monitoring the data traffic that passes through these submarine routes.
The new frigates of the Portuguese Navy will play an essential role in this protection strategy, ensuring the security of cable routes in the Atlantic zone. This investment in naval capabilities reflects the growing awareness that submarine cables are vulnerable and highly strategic infrastructures.
Helena Pereira's editorial draws attention to the need for Portugal to develop its own capabilities to face the challenges of this new war under water, taking advantage of the privileged geographical position of the Azores and the ongoing investments in naval surveillance capabilities.
