Scotland is calling for Cold War-era protection of the Shetland Islands.
British officials are calling for a return of military attention to the Shetland Islands amid critical infrastructure concerns. Reports claim that Russian vessels are increasingly appearing near undersea cables and energy facilities. The islands are located in a strategic area between Greenland, Iceland and Britain, becoming key to control of the North Atlantic as NATO tensions rise on the northern flank. Experts suggest that modern defense will rely on increased reconnaissance, patrols, intelligence, exercises and faster response capabilities than on a traditional garrison. The main threat is not a direct attack but "gray zone" activities: espionage on underwater infrastructure, pressure tactics, cyber attacks and potential sabotage.