NATO launches Baltic Sea patrol mission to safeguard underwater infrastructure

NATO is launching a new mission to enhance the defense of member states’ critical infrastructure in the Baltic region, Secretary General Mark Rutte announced at the alliance’s Baltic Sea Allies Summit on Tuesday.

Named Baltic Sentry, the mission will involve frigates and maritime patrol aircraft operating in the Baltic Sea. Rutte also said a small fleet of naval drones will be deployed, and NATO will work with allies to integrate their national surveillance capabilities to bolster the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.

The secretary general noted that Finland has already shown that decisive action can be taken while remaining within the law. “Ship captains must understand that potential threats to our infrastructure will have consequences, including possible detention, vessel confiscation, and arrest,” Rutte said.