According to a press release from NATO’s Allied Command Operations (ACO), a new operation titled Baltic Sentry has been launched in the Baltic Sea to deter potential threats to critical undersea infrastructure.
The operation comes in response to damage sustained by undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland on 25 December 2024. This follows a declaration of solidarity with the two countries on 30 December and the Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit held in Helsinki.
As quoted in the release, “Baltic Sentry will deliver focused deterrence throughout the Baltic Sea and counter destabilising acts like those observed last month,” said US Army General Christopher G. Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. “It is indicative of the Alliance’s ability to rapidly respond to such destabilisation, and shows the strength of our unity in the face of any challenge.”
The press update specifies that Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS) is leading the operation, coordinating multi-domain activities, with Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) assuming a pivotal role in the maritime domain.
Additionally, the NATO Maritime Centre for Security of Critical Underwater Infrastructure (NMCSCUI) is assisting by supporting decision-making and action coordination to safeguard essential infrastructure.
The news update highlights that although Baltic Sentry is a new initiative, NATO forces already maintain a persistent presence in the Baltic Sea. Routine patrols and joint exercises are supported by advanced maritime surveillance technology, ensuring operational readiness across the region.
Sweden, NATO’s newest member, was acknowledged in the release for its significant maritime contributions and continued commitment to European and transatlantic security. The update underlined Sweden’s role in promoting stability in the Baltic Sea region, bolstered by its strong maritime heritage.
This operation, as noted in the NATO release, demonstrates the Alliance’s determination to adapt swiftly and collectively address evolving security challenges. Baltic Sentry is set to underline NATO’s resilience, unity, and ability to safeguard critical infrastructure through enhanced collaboration among its members.
A task a River might actually be useful for?
Keeping an overt eye on things?
Yes; presence = deterrence. The SDR need to decide on what T32 design concept we are going for. Way back, wasn’t the original idea for a mixed frigate fleet for C1 ASW, C2 GP and a 2-3000 ton C3 – a corvette cum OPV cum MCMV. A batch 3 River?
Yes, that’s how I remember it.
THE plan in 2001-2004 was for a high end true GP FSC, ( but focused on ASW) with a build of 20 hulls in service date 2015. it was assumed that there would be 12 T45 AAW destroyers as well for the 32 escorts required. With some really odd ideas including mother ships and 1500ton sub vessels…super fast vessels and a hyper conservative option of just buying an extra 20 T45 hulls configured for ASW..But the RN MOD got itself in knots and could not decide what the hell wanted…and by 2004 realised it was running out of time…it then… Read more »
Jonathan, thanks for the work of this comprehensive history of indecision and decline. Looking at the positives ( numbers apart) T26 and T31 look good platforms for the C1 ASW/ Global Combat and C2 stabilisation, choke point, sea lanes. And River 2 is doing a good job of global OPV. I see Belgium and the Netherlands have decided to build their ‘City’ class MCM …80m, 2-3000 tons, mission bay. Meanwhile the RN has decided to experiment with RFA Proteus and Sterling Castle, put mission bays on the new frigates while retaining a few Hunts. I’m asking myself is this because… Read more »
Personally I don’t see why they don’t focus the rivers 2 on MCM..2000 ton platforms with plenty of storage, good cranes…warship level of integrity, 10,000km range and 35 days endurance crew of only 28 but has space as well as space for up to 50 for systems. A great and cost effective platform for autonomous systems… knock out a few more say five more and you have a very nice patrol, autonomous mother ship and MCM fleet of 10 ships that only need a duty crew of 300. If you give them a good medium gun 40mm or 57mm they… Read more »
a task that the Gosport ferry could do. especially if echo and enterprise we’re still in service.
It seems that the ‘purps’ involved in the ‘tampering around’ with NATO members cables have been identified. I take it that there will be some ‘counter meddling’ with their deep sea stuff/kit/pipelines/cables?