In response to the rising naval strength of China, the US Navy is undertaking the most significant modernization of its underwater intelligence network since the 1950s, according to a report by Reets Investigation.
Located 50 miles north of Seattle, the US Navy’s observation station, formerly known as the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, was renamed the Theater Undersea Surveillance Command (TUSC) in October of last year.
This initiative forms part of a larger military project aimed at modernizing the underwater intelligence program that was first developed after World War II.
The revamp of the multi-billion dollar Integrated Underwater Intelligence System (ISS) project follows increased military activity by China near Taiwan.
Under the ISS update, the existing network of underwater acoustic cables for espionage will be modernized, and the fleet of ships will be equipped with advanced sensors and microphones.
A key component of the update is the incorporation of miniaturization and globalized technology for traditional marine observation tools.
Furthermore, the US Navy plans to employ unmanned sea drones for eavesdropping on enemy ships, utilize portable sensors on the seabed, and employ artificial intelligence to analyze data.
China, on the other hand, is developing its own marine reconnaissance program known as the Great Underwater Wall. This system, which is currently under active construction, consists of cables equipped with sensors for listening, strategically placed on the seabed in the South China Sea.
The growth of China’s naval capabilities has compelled the US Navy to modernize its intelligence capabilities. Brent Sadler, a former US Navy Submarine Officer, stated that the United States should invest in new underwater intelligence opportunities without delay given the current circumstances.