NATO Launches “Baltic Sentry” Mission to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure in the Baltic Sea
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) launched a new mission, “Baltic Sentry,” to deter attempts by any state or non-state actor to damage critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region bordering Russia.
The initiative, announced on 14 January, described as a multi-domain activity, comes at a time when there has been a surge in unexplained damage to undersea infrastructure in the Baltic in recent months. The most recent example was a series of disruptions to undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland on December 25, 2024. These incidents raised concerns over the possibility of sabotage, prompting NATO to take action.
“Baltic Sentry will deliver focused deterrence throughout the Baltic Sea and counter destabilizing acts like those observed last month,” said U.S. Army General Christopher G. Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. “It is indicative of the Alliance’s ability to rapidly respond to such destabilization and shows the strength of our unity in the face of any challenge.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the decision at the Baltic Sea Allies Summit in Helsinki, Finland. The summit was attended by President of Finland Alexander Stubb, Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk, and Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said at the press conference that the mission will involve various assets, including frigates and maritime patrol aircraft. The Secretary-General also announced the deployment of new technologies, including a small fleet of naval drones, and highlighted that NATO would work with Allies to integrate national surveillance assets.
Rutte, along with European officials and leaders of the Baltic states, refrained from directly accusing Russia of responsibility for the incidents. However, they expressed strong suspicions that Moscow’s “shadow fleet” might be involved. While Russia continues to deny these allegations, NATO underscored its determination to ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure and everything it holds dear. Rutte stated, “We will board suspect vessels and, if necessary, seize them. The security of our critical infrastructure and all that we value is non-negotiable.”