What is Baltic Sentry and why does it matter?

NATO’s Operation Baltic Sentry is set to enhance the security of critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, an increasingly contested region vital for the stability of global energy, communications, and internet systems.

Announced on 14 January 2025 at a summit in Helsinki, Finland, this multi-domain operation will deploy warships, drones, maritime patrol aircraft, and advanced surveillance systems to deter and respond to potential threats, including recent acts of sabotage.

Next week, I will be embarking on a Swedish naval patrol vessel taking part in the operation to see firsthand how NATO forces are working to protect critical underwater assets. The visit, organised by the Swedish Navy, will involve an onboard demonstration of patrolling, threat monitoring, and shipboard operations in the southern Baltic Sea.

What is Operation Baltic Sentry?

Baltic Sentry, led by NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS), was established in response to several instances of damage to undersea cables, such as the December 25, 2024, attack on the EstLink 2 power cable between Finland and Estonia. NATO intelligence links this damage to Russia’s “shadow fleet”, covert vessels suspected of conducting sabotage under state direction.

As part of NATO’s Enhanced Vigilant Activities (eVA), Baltic Sentry will enhance maritime surveillance and deterrence capabilities, with Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) playing a central role in coordinating sea operations. The mission is intended to deter and, if necessary, confront any threat to the underwater infrastructure that is critical to internet communications and power grids across Europe.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made clear the urgency, noting, “We will do what it takes to ensure the safety and security of our critical infrastructure and all that we hold dear.” He highlighted the mission’s scope, involving not only military assets but also coordination with industry under the Critical Undersea Infrastructure Network.

Why was Baltic Sentry launched?

Recent months have seen multiple incidents of undersea cable damage, including damage to communication cables between Finland and Estonia and suspicions of sabotage involving a Chinese freighter linked to Russian interests. According to NATO, the destruction of such infrastructure could severely disrupt global financial systems, as more than 95% of international internet traffic and $10 trillion in daily transactions depend on these underwater networks.

The operation was officially announced following the Helsinki Summit, where Rutte underscored NATO’s intent to strengthen maritime patrols and enforce robust deterrence measures, including boarding and impounding suspicious vessels.

How will Baltic Sentry work?

Baltic Sentry will leverage a wide array of military assets, including:

• Frigates, minehunters, and patrol vessels conducting constant surveillance.
• Naval drones and maritime patrol aircraft monitoring civilian and military shipping.
• Advanced sensors and national surveillance systems working together to detect and respond to underwater threats.

The operation will also rely on the NATO Maritime Centre for Security of Critical Underwater Infrastructure (NMCSCUI) to coordinate intelligence-sharing and action among NATO members, ensuring a proactive approach to potential threats.

Sweden, NATO’s newest member and a country with a rich maritime tradition, is contributing naval expertise and assets as part of its ongoing role within the alliance. Germany, Denmark, Finland, and other Baltic nations are also providing ships, aircraft, and cyber units to the mission.

Why does Baltic Sentry matter?

The operation addresses a growing security threat as tensions with Russia continue to escalate. With recent incidents highlighting vulnerabilities in undersea infrastructure, NATO’s efforts aim to prevent catastrophic disruptions to European energy and communications networks.

Rutte explained that NATO’s focus on deterrence sends a clear message: “Ship captains must understand that potential threats to our infrastructure will have consequences, including possible boarding, impounding, and arrest.”