On January 14, 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the launch of the "Baltic Sentry" mission during a meeting in Helsinki with leaders of Baltic Sea nations. This initiative aims to enhance maritime presence and protect critical undersea infrastructure from hybrid threats and sabotage.
The mission will involve deploying ships, aircraft, and drones in the Baltic Sea in response to recent damage to undersea cables, which are suspected to have been caused by Russian sabotage. Rutte emphasized the importance of safeguarding these infrastructures, as they are vital for both energy supply and global internet traffic.
Rutte pointed out that various NATO assets, including frigates and maritime patrol aircraft, will be utilized, although he refrained from disclosing specific numbers to maintain operational security. The mission will also incorporate new technologies, such as naval drones, to bolster surveillance and deterrence efforts.
Recent incidents of cable damage connecting Lithuania to Sweden, Germany to Finland, and Estonia to Finland have raised alarms about the security of undersea infrastructures. Rutte stated that investigations are ongoing and highlighted the critical nature of these cables, which facilitate significant financial transactions globally.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, present at the Helsinki meeting, announced that NATO members are considering additional sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet, which is believed to be linked to the sabotage incidents. Germany will contribute naval vessels to support the mission, reinforcing its commitment to protecting undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
The joint statement from the meeting underscored that acts of sabotage extend beyond the Baltic region, prompting participants to enhance cooperation to strengthen security across the entire alliance.