Subterranean Warfare: The Hidden Dimension of Future Conflicts

Subterranean warfare has consistently served as a critical, though often underappreciated, domain of military operations.

The strategic use of underground spaces for military advantage is a practice as ancient as warfare itself, evolving significantly over the centuries to adapt to new technologies and tactics.

From undermining castle walls to American Tunnel Rats clearing dangerous underground mazes in Vietnam, subterranean warfare has remained a fixture of warfare. As the current conflict in Gaza is showing, this important tool remains relevant, useful for belligerents, and will likely grow in sophistication and use.

‘Tunnel Rats” had a dirty, dangerous job with a casualty rate of ~33%