The Royal Navy has officially deployed its first fleet of autonomous 'ghost' patrol vessels to the North Sea, tasked with monitoring and protecting critical undersea energy and data infrastructure.

The deployment follows a series of security reviews highlighting the vulnerability of Britain's subsea cables and pipelines. The new vessels, controlled from a central hub in Portsmouth, are equipped with advanced sonar and AI-driven anomaly detection systems.

"The protection of our sovereign undersea assets is a non-negotiable priority," stated the Defence Secretary. "These autonomous platforms allow us to maintain a constant, cost-effective presence in challenging waters."

Maritime experts suggest the use of unmanned vessels marks a paradigm shift in naval strategy, allowing for greater coverage without the logistical strain of manned missions.