Maritime Security Threats (Hybrid)

Overview

Maritime Security Threats of hybrid nature refer to deliberate actions carried out in the maritime domain by state/non-state actors aiming to destabilise or harm targets through overt and covert means. These include the use of conventional military capabilities, irregular tactics, coercion, criminal activities and non-military approaches.

The Centre recorded 273 incidents in the Maritime Security Threats (Hybrid) category. These included 124 incidents of missile/ projectile attacks, 92 incidents of drone attacks and 30 incidents of Water Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIED) attacks. Other incidents in this category included suspicious approach (21), threats over radio (03) and vessel seizure/detention (03). 270 of the 273 incidents were related to the West Asian conflict and were monitored in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Central Arabian Sea.

The complexity of such threats lies in their unpredictability and their occurrence in diverse formats. Non-state actors often innovate and refine attack methodologies, targeting vessels from land as well as from sea.

Such maritime security threats include the usage of conventional military weapons like rockets, missiles, floating mines, limpet mines, etc. and unconventional measures like Waterborne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIEDs), Remote Controlled WBIEDS (RC WBIEDS), Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones and Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs). The upsurge of conflict-related incidents involving attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean since Oct 2023 has been an alarming development. These threats pose significant risks to the global economy and the trade flowing through critical waterways. The commercial shipping fleet, International Shipping Lanes (ISLs) and energy supply chains have been particularly vulnerable to disruption caused by hybrid attacks.

Comprehensive Intelligence

Structured analysis of maritime security incidents across the Indian Ocean Region

Incident Overview

Key Insight: Hybrid maritime security attacks declined in frequency in 2025 but increased in severity

The escalating challenges posed by hybrid maritime security threats are characterised by a combination of overt and covert military and non-military means. The analysis of incidents revealed that the overall frequency of attacks declined throughout 2025. However, the limited number of attacks that did occur were marked by heightened severity, as demonstrated by incidents involving MV Magic Seas and MV Eternity C, which highlighted the disproportionate impact and elevated risk associated with such targeted events.

Threat Environment Focus

Key Insight: Navigational confidence showed cautious improvement in 2025

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While the gradual return of large container vessels to the Suez Canal later in the year signaled cautious improvement in navigational confidence, the overall threat landscape remained fluid. These developments reinforce the need for sustained multinational naval presence, enhanced situational awareness, proactive risk assessments, and strict adherence to best practices to mitigate the continuing risks posed by hybrid maritime threats.

Geographic Concentration Focus

Key Insight: Hybrid maritime security incidents fell sharply in 2025

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In 2025, the Centre recorded 13 hybrid Maritime Security Threat incidents, representing a sharp decline from the 273 incidents reported in 2024, with most occurrences concentrated in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Despite the reduced frequency, several high-profile attacks reflected an escalation in tactics, resulting in casualties, damage to commercial vessels, and heightened risks to seafarer safety. The spillover effects of these conflict-driven threats extended beyond the immediate area, disrupting global shipping routes, increasing freight and insurance costs, and contributing to navigational challenges such as GPS interference and increased “dark ship” activity. These conditions also indirectly created security gaps that enabled a limited resurgence of piracy off the coast of Somalia.