Sweden to Deploy Warships for NATO Baltic Mission to Protect Underwater Infrastructure

Jan 12, 2025, 05:23 PM

Sweden has announced its contribution to a NATO-led operation in the Baltic Sea aimed at safeguarding critical underwater infrastructure and protecting against sabotage following a series of suspected incidents. The Swedish government will deploy up to three warships and an ASC 890 surveillance aircraft to the mission. Additionally, Sweden's coast guard will provide four ships, with seven more on standby. This marks Sweden's first military contribution to NATO operations since becoming the alliance's 32nd member in March 2024. The decision follows heightened concerns over Russian activities, including the suspected involvement of the Russian shadow fleet in damaging undersea cables and pipelines. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the importance of the operation during a speech at the Folk och Försvar conference, stating that Sweden is not at war but also not in a state of peace. NATO has also increased its presence in the region, with other member states contributing ships to enhance security and address hybrid warfare threats.