At a summit meeting of NATO allies in the Baltic Sea region, Secretary General Mark Rutte announced a new military mission.
The aim is to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region. At the summit, heads of state and government from across the region discussed the growing threat to critical undersea infrastructure. The Secretary-General explained that energy and communication cables had recently been damaged by acts of sabotage. However, he was confident that “together with all Allies, we will do everything necessary to ensure the security not only of our critical infrastructure, but also of everything that is important to us.”
The “Baltic Sentry” surveillance mission will strengthen NATO’s military presence in the Baltic Sea and improve the ability of allies to respond to destabilising actions.
Surveillance with frigates and aircraft
“Baltic Sentry” will include a range of 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 noted that NATO will work with Allies to integrate national surveillance systems – all to enhance the ability to protect critical underwater infrastructure and respond when needed.
NATO will explore further opportunities to protect infrastructure and improve the resilience of underwater assets through the Critical Underwater Infrastructure Network, which includes industry.
Rutte also emphasised the importance of robust enforcement. He highlighted how Finland has shown that decisive action within the law is possible: “Ship masters must understand that potential threats to our infrastructure have consequences, including possible boarding, seizure and arrest.”
