• NATO has launched a new initiative named Baltic Sentry to enhance the protection of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.
• The mission follows increased concerns regarding potential Russian sabotage after several undersea incidents.
• Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized that more than 95% of internet traffic relies on these cables, making them vital infrastructure.
• The operation will include naval frigates, patrol aircraft, and a fleet of drones for improved surveillance and deterrence.
• The initiative involves close cooperation among Baltic nations to combat threats posed by Russia's shadow fleet.

NATO is embarking on a significant new mission, referred to as Baltic Sentry, aimed at protecting vital undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region. This comes in response to a series of incidents that have alarmed officials regarding potential Russian sabotage and espionage activities. The announcement was made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte during a meeting held in Helsinki with leaders from Baltic nations including Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden. Rutte stated, “Across the alliance, we have seen elements of a campaign to destabilize our societies through cyberattacks, assassination attempts and sabotage, including possible sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea” (AP News).

Under the Baltic Sentry mission, NATO plans to deploy approximately ten ships, which will remain active in the region for several months. Additionally, the operation will utilize frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, and a fleet of naval drones aimed at providing enhanced surveillance and deterrence against potential threats (Newsweek). Rutte highlighted the critical importance of undersea cables, noting that they facilitate over 95% of global internet traffic and are involved in transactions worth approximately $10 trillion each day, making them prime targets for hybrid warfare tactics.

Recent incidents involving damaged cables and suspicious maritime activities have escalated tensions in the region. One notable event included the detaining of the oil tanker Eagle S, which was linked to potential cable damage over Christmas Day. The Baltic nations have expressed concerns about a so-called shadow fleet of Russian ships that operate with unclear ownership and are associated with efforts to bypass sanctions on Russian oil BBC.)

The regional leaders expressed a united front, stating, “we reserve our rights, in accordance with international law, to take action against any suspected vessels that circumvent sanctions and threaten our security, infrastructure and the environment” (Al Jazeera). The meeting included a pledge to deploy innovative solutions and strengthen technological cooperation with private sectors to monitor and safeguard essential undersea infrastructure.

With ongoing military tensions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, NATO's Baltic Sentry operation aims to reinforce defensive measures while signaling a commitment to collective security in the face of emerging threats.

For further details on the Baltic Sentry mission, you can read more from VOA News and Los Angeles Times.