![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/4974906.jpg?r=1695494149732\")
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It can carry up to 80 Royal Navy and Royal Marine specialists, including when needed by members of the Special Boat Service.<\/p>\n
The UK is a hub for \u201cvital\u201d fibre optic cables which pass along the sea bed to Europe.<\/p>\n
In a 2017 report Rishi Sunak, then a backbencher, warned; \u201cA successful attack on the UK\u2019s undersea cable infrastructure would be an existential threat to security.\u201d<\/p>\n
In January, Russia was thought to be behind the cutting of a fibre-optic cable linking Norway and the Svalbard archipelago.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> Poland’s Prime Minister tells Zelensky ‘Never insult Poles again’ in fiery rant[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Nato staff tasked with protecting undersea pipelines and cables are located in the UK and Brussels.<\/p>\n Proteus has left Birkenhead for Portsmouth and is expected to be joined by a second vessel in the next two years.<\/p>\n A senior source said: \u201cThis ship will be regularly deployed to monitor the 5,000 miles of oil and gas pipelines across the North Sea, as well as the extensive cable network.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is about protecting the UK and Europe from a clear and present danger.\u201d<\/p>\n The Royal Navy said: \u201cThere will now be sea trials and evaluations. We are committed to having her ready for ops later this year.\u201d<\/p>\n