NATO Launches 'Baltic Sentry' at Helsinki Summit to Protect Undersea Infrastructure Amid Russian Sabotage Concerns

Jan 14, 2025, 10:47 AM

NATO has launched 'Baltic Sentry', a new multi-domain mission to strengthen the protection of critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea following suspected sabotage of undersea cables in recent months. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the operation at the Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit in Helsinki, co-hosted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal. Eight Baltic coastal states issued a joint statement declaring that they are coordinating the deployment of different options and assets. The mission will involve the deployment of frigates, patrol aircraft, submarines, and a fleet of naval drones to patrol the Baltic Sea. The initiative aims to enhance NATO's military presence in the region, improve the Allies' ability to respond to destabilizing acts, and deter threats against critical infrastructure. The move comes amid heightened concerns over the security of undersea cables after several telecom and power cables were severed in recent months, with Russia widely blamed for the suspected sabotage. NATO leaders stated that any attack against critical infrastructure will be met with a robust and determined response.