Capturing National Security Benefits from Offshore Wind

Allegra Dawes; Emily Harding; Julia Dickson; Aosheng Pusztaszeri; Joseph Majkut

Report by Allegra Dawes, Emily Harding, Julia Dickson, Aosheng Pusztaszeri, and Joseph Majkut

Published October 16, 2026

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This report assesses the potential for offshore wind infrastructure to serve as a force multiplier for U.S. maritime domain awareness. As autonomous vehicles and drones expand the reach of potential adversaries and make critical maritime infrastructure more vulnerable, the United States faces growing challenges in monitoring and protecting its waters.

The report assesses existing U.S. surveillance gaps, emerging technologies that could help address them, and lessons from European efforts to integrate sensors, share radar data, and monitor subsea infrastructure. It also examines the practical and security challenges of deploying dual-use capabilities, including cost allocation, ownership and governance of sensors and data, and the risk that enhanced infrastructure could itself become a target. Drawing on these findings, the report offers initial recommendations for offshore wind developers, state governments, and federal agencies to advance the integration of offshore wind into a more resilient and comprehensive maritime surveillance architecture.

This report is made possible by the support from The Pew Charitable Trusts.