The silent shield – how special operations safeguard the global supply chain

1. The strategic importance of supply chain security

The global supply chain system plays a vital role in contributing to the development of nations worldwide, serving as a cornerstone for economic growth and security. By improving communication networks, lowering trade barriers, and reducing production costs, it lays a foundation for prosperity and stability. However, like any critical component of national development, this system is vulnerable to disruptions caused by factors such as natural disasters, criminal activities, or terrorist networks. These threats often target supply chains to undermine global economic growth and productivity, highlighting the need for strong protection measures. Safeguarding the global supply chain is not just about securing economic interests, but it is about protecting the well-being and livelihoods of citizens. Recognising this, many countries have begun to develop and implement strategic measures to defend against potential threats and ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods and services. The global supply chain is a complex, interconnected network of infrastructure, transportation routes, information technology, and energy systems. While these interdependencies drive economic activity and innovation, they also introduce vulnerabilities that require careful management and proactive solutions (National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security, 2012).

This article argues that Special Operations Forces (SOF) are indispensable for protecting global supply chains against evolving threats, acting as a “silent shield” in modern security strategies. First, it examines the strategic importance and vulnerabilities of global supply chains. Next, it analyses the unique capabilities of SOF in this context, before exploring recent case studies and concluding with recommendations for strengthening supply chain security.

Global supply chains are intricately linked to the existence of a state, as well as to all the elements within the state. The growing dependence on globally sourced goods and services, facilitated by digital infrastructure, makes the world vulnerable to threats from adversaries able to monitor, block, interrupt, or compromise the essential systems, operations, and products integral to our daily lives. Supply chain vulnerabilities can manifest as unauthorised access to confidential information, interference with normal business processes, infiltration of harmful programmes or equipment, or any breach that undermines the integrity of a company’s infrastructure or offerings (Office of the Director of National Intelligence, National Counterintelligence and Security Center, 2025).

2. Special Operations Forces’ role in protecting global trade

The complexity of safeguarding global supply chains increases significantly as they transcend national boundaries, span vast distances, and involve numerous stakeholders. The terrorist attacks on 11 September  2001 in the United States served as a stark reminder that even the world’s superpower is susceptible to threats, highlighting the universal nature of vulnerability in our interconnected world. The dynamic nature of the international system underscores the necessity for nations to be well-trained and adequately prepared to address any potential disruptions to the global supply chain’s normal operations. Moreover, in the event of such disruptions, countries must possess the capability to swiftly recover and restore functionality (Williams et al., 2008).

This proactive defence strategy necessitates capabilities that are remarkably aligned with the expertise of Special Operations Forces (SOF). What sets these elite units apart from conventional military branches is their unparalleled ability to function effectively in politically charged environments, often under extreme time constraints or in high-stakes situations. Their operations can be conducted in secrecy, with minimal visibility or through covert means. SOF are more in demand than ever due to the diverse and complex threats facing the world today, as their unique skills make them essential in tackling these challenges. Their cultural dexterity, combined with their tactical capabilities, enables them to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes with finesse and efficacy (Broyles & Blankenship, 2017).

SOF tailor their operations to each distinct scenario, utilising two primary methodologies: direct action and indirect engagement. The direct approach involves SOF units taking immediate action against adversaries, characterised by the “precision and lethality of small, technologically advanced teams. These missions are often brief, high-risk, and potentially yield significant rewards” (Bucci, 2015, p.49). In contrast, the indirect approach involves long-term commitments where SOF focus on training and improving the military capabilities of partner nations, focusing on sustainable security solutions through collaborative efforts (Bucci, 2015). 

In today’s era of global competition, a variety of powerful actors operate on the world stage, including the United States, which champions the free market, and its key rivals, China and Russia. Each pursues military, economic and diplomatic efforts to safeguard and advance their respective interests. In this context, the US faces significant challenges in managing strategic competition across multiple regions and domains. To address these challenges, SOF play a pivotal role in supporting U.S. strategies. They are instrumental in tackling emerging threats such as cyber, space and undersea warfare, while also enhancing capabilities for extreme environments like the Arctic. Additionally, SOF is at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence to gain cognitive superiority in increasingly complex operational landscapes (Starling & Marine, 2024).

3. Safeguarding the seas: SOF in maritime security and threat response

Given the critical role of maritime transport in facilitating global trade and driving economic growth, this sector has become a key focus in the security strategies of major powers, particularly the United States. Approximately half of global merchandise trade involves exchanges between partners separated by more than 3,000 kilometres, with the majority of these goods transported by sea along international routes and established shipping lanes. As the global economy, international trade, and shipping activity have been expanding, so has been the reliance on oceans and seas for economic prosperity. However, this increased dependence has also heightened the shipping sector’s vulnerability, making it an attractive target for piracy and armed robbery. Among the many threats to global supply chains, piracy remains a persistent and dangerous challenge, particularly in critical maritime trade routes. Pirates targeting vessels can disrupt the flow of goods, increase operational costs, and endanger lives (Asariotiset al., 2014). The vast majority of global goods—around 90%—are moved via maritime routes, making the stability of the world economy heavily reliant on the secure and efficient transport of essential items like medicine, food, energy, and oil through critical sea lanes. However, pirate activity in regions such as Somalia and West Africa has started to interfere with these vital shipping routes, disrupting international trade and posing significant risks to U.S. national security, its allies, the maritime sector, and the broader international economy (Atlantic Council, 2012).

The United States began engaging in anti-piracy efforts near Africa as early as 2006, after Somali pirates fired upon two U.S. Navy vessels. While no Americans were harmed, the incident resulted in the capture of twelve pirates. U.S. counter-piracy initiatives intensified following the dramatic hijacking of the Maersk Alabama on 8 April 2009, when four Somali pirates seized the ship and took its captain hostage, demanding a $2 million ransom. In response, President Barack Obama authorised the use of force, leading to a decisive operation by U.S. Navy SEALs. The SEAL team executed a strike, while eliminating three pirates and rescuing the captain. Shortly after this incident, the U.S. Coast Guard issued new anti-piracy guidelines, mandating new security measures for vessels navigating high-risk waters near the Horn of Africa. Later that year, U.S. Marines successfully reclaimed the Magellan Star, another ship hijacked by Somali pirates. This operation was a landmark achievement, marking the first occasion on which U.S. Marines successfully boarded and regained control of a ship that had been seized by pirates (Atlantic Council, 2012).

Another example of SOF involvement in anti-piracy efforts occurred during Operation Ocean Shield, a NATO-led initiative aimed at addressing piracy near the Horn of Africa between 2009 and 2016. This mission incorporated special forces units tasked with safeguarding merchant vessels, establishing a strong deterrent presence, and coordinating with other international anti-piracy campaigns. NATO naval forces patrolled an expansive area that included the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of Aden, and the western Indian Ocean, stretching as far as the Strait of Hormuz. NATO vessels were permitted to operate within Somali territorial waters. These ships conducted reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering operations to monitor maritime activity, identifying legitimate shipping traffic while isolating suspicious vessels potentially linked to piracy (NATO, n.d.). 

It is not only U.S. special forces that are active in safeguarding maritime security; other global powers also deploy their elite units to protect vital shipping routes. For instance, in 2018, the United Kingdom sent 20 members of its Special Boat Service (SBS) to Djibouti in response to an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on an oil tanker in international waters. Their mission was to ensure the safe passage of vessels navigating the strategically crucial Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and a vital artery for global trade. These UK forces operated alongside U.S. special operations units as part of Coalition Task Force 150, a multinational effort aimed at maintaining security and stability in the region. The coalition team had access to advanced technology, including the capability to deploy drones from the covert base at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. Moreover, they could conduct rapid-response operations using assets stationed at the same base, further enhancing their ability to counter threats and protect maritime traffic in this high-risk area (Action on Armed Violence, 2023).

Special Operations Forces are playing an increasingly vital role in monitoring and safeguarding submarine cables, which are essential for global communication networks and economic stability. A recent example of these efforts is Exercise Bold Machina, held in La Spezia (Italy) in November 2024. This exercise was initiated in response to the growing threat posed by foreign adversaries targeting undersea cables and critical underwater infrastructure. Recognising the emergence of new forms of hybrid warfare, NATO members are working to develop innovative strategies to counter these threats. In recent years, undersea cables and pipelines that support internet connectivity and energy supplies have been damaged in a series of concerning incidents, with several cases of suspected sabotage reported in just the past few months (Baker, 2025). To address these challenges, NATO has deployed special operations divers to test advanced systems aimed at protecting vulnerable underwater infrastructure from deliberate attacks and accidental damage. As part of this initiative, elite divers from NATO countries have been conducting exercises to refine techniques for bypassing underwater electronic detection systems, enhancing their ability to secure critical infrastructure from potential sabotage or disruption. This highlights the increasing importance of undersea security in modern defence strategies. The goal was also to enhance the readiness and capabilities of special operations divers to operate effectively in battle spaces that are becoming increasingly exposed and monitored (Baker, 2025).

For maritime special operations forces, staying ahead in technological advancements is crucial. Rapid technological progress across all industries will most likely not stop at the maritime sector, for example making underwater environments more transparent and visible. In the past, the water itself provided cover during missions, but in the future, the presence of sensors and robots in the sea could expose and identify operators. Therefore, it is essential to assess the risks of operating in such environments (56th Artillery Command, 2024).

4. Conclusion

Based on the examples of SOF involvement, it stands to reason that these elite military units will continue to be deployed globally to safeguard supply chains, secure access to natural resources, and protect critical modes of transportation—not only for goods essential to daily life but also for the safe movement of people. With advanced and widespread intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technologies, SOF are engaged in an ongoing effort to maintain an edge in the intelligence domain. Operating worldwide, these smaller, agile forces can sometimes lack the extensive logistical support typical of conventional military units. Instead, they depend on partnerships with allied nations to access essential supplies and strategically position resources near mission locations (MeriTalk, 2024).

References 

56th Artillery Command. (2024). Dynamic Front Exercise. https://www.56ac.army.mil/Exercises/Dynamic-Front/videoid/949118/dvpTag/exercise/

Action on Armed Violence. (2023). Yemen (incl. Djibouti). https://aoav.org.uk/2023/yemen-incl-djibouti/

Asariotis, R., Benamara, H., Premti, A., & Abebe, A. (2014). Maritime piracy. Part I: An overview of trends, costs and trade-related implications. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299364282

Atlantic Council. (2012). Managing the global response to maritime piracy: Counter-piracy task force. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/104011_ACUS_Counter-Piracy_P5.pdf

Baker, K. (2025). NATO turned to elite divers to test shields for at-risk undersea lines. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/nato-elite-divers-tested-shields-for-at-risk-undersea-lines-2025-1

Broyles, D. A., & Blankenship, B. (2017). The role of special operations forces in global competition. Center for Naval Analyses. https://www.cna.org/reports/2017/drm-2017-u-015225-1rev.pdf

Bucci, S. P. (2015). The importance of special operations forces today and going forward. In 2015 Index of U.S. Military Strength. The Heritage Foundation. https://www.heritage.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/2015_IndexOfUSMilitaryStrength_The%20Importance%20of%20Special%20Operations%20Forces%20Today%20and%20Going%20Forward.pdf

MeriTalk. (2024). Navigating disruption: SOF logistics in contested environments. https://www.meritalk.com/articles/navigating-disruption-sof-logistics-in-contested-environments/

National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security. (2012, January). The White House. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/national_strategy_for_global_supply_chain_security.pdf

NATO. (n.d.). Operation Ocean Shield. https://mc.nato.int/missions/operation-ocean-shield

Office of the Director of National Intelligence, National Counterintelligence and Security Center. (2025). Protecting critical supply chains: A guide to securing your supply chain ecosystem. https://www.dni.gov/files/NCSC/documents/supplychain/20240926_Securing-Your-Supply-Chain-Ecosystem.pdf

Starling, C. G., & Marine, A. (2024). Stealth, speed, and adaptability: The role of special operations forces in strategic competition. Atlantic Council. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stealth-speed-and-adaptability-The-role-of-special-operations-forces-in-strategic-competition.pdf

Williams, Z., LeMay, S. A., & Pineda, A. (2008). Supply chain security: An overview and research agenda. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 19(2), 254–266. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235317074_Supply_Chain_Security_An_Overview_and_Research_Agenda