NATO countries to participate in first Baltic Sea drills focused on repelling Russian attack

Baltic Sea naval drills set to start on September 9 will see Western countries practicing how to repel a Russian attack in the region for the first time, according to Reuters, referencing Germany’s Chief of Navy Jan Kaack. Approximately 30 ships and more than 3,000 servicemen are expected to participate in the drills.

“We are sending a clear message of vigilance to Russia: Not on our watch,” said Kaack.

Drills are set to start on September 9 and take place over the course of two weeks. NATO countries, along with Sweden, will participate in the exercises. Reuters writes that the countries will practice amphibious operations and strikes from sea to land.

“Finland and the Baltic states depend to almost 100 percent on the maritime supply routes through the Baltic Sea. Should the Suwalki Gap be blocked — and this can be done easily as there are only two roads and one railroad line — then we are left with the sea routes only, and that’s where we will then have to make our way through,” said Kaak.

He added that these will be the first drills of this size that the German Navy will command from its new maritime headquarters in the German city of Rostock.