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By Michael D. Carroll
Breaking News Editor
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NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced on Tuesday a new mission, dubbed Baltic Sentry, to safeguard undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region.
Why it Matters
In recent months, a series of incidents involving disconnected or cut undersea cables in the Baltic Sea has highlighted their vulnerability. While the region is largely surrounded by NATO member states—earning it the nickname "NATO lake"—Russia's significant presence, particularly from its Kaliningrad exclave, adds to strategic concerns.
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Undersea cables, though often unseen, are vital for internet services, global communications, and countless aspects of modern life. According to NATO, approximately 99 percent of the world's data flows through these cables, making them critical yet susceptible targets in hybrid warfare. Baltic Sentry aims to address these growing risks.
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What to Know
The mission will deploy roughly 10 ships to monitor energy and data cables in the Baltic Sea, Finnish broadcaster YLE reported on Tuesday. The vessels are expected to remain in the area for up to four months.
According to the report, the alliance operation could begin as early as this week, underscoring NATO's urgency in addressing vulnerabilities amid recent incidents in the region.
How Many Vessels Will NATO Deploy in the Baltic?
The deployment of roughly 10 NATO vessels under the Baltic Sentry mission is intended to deter acts of sabotage and enhance the likelihood of quickly intercepting any saboteurs, YLE reported.
While NATO announced on Dec. 30 that it would strengthen its presence in the Baltic Sea, the alliance cannot prevent vessels from moving through international waters, YLE noted.
Meanwhile, the British government revealed on Monday a new initiative using artificial intelligence to "track potential threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor the Russian shadow fleet," referring to vessels used to bypass sanctions.
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What People Are Saying
In refence to Baltic Sentry, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said during a meeting in Helsinki with leaders of NATO countries bordering the Baltic Sea "It will involve a range of assets, including frigates and maritime patrol aircraft, among others, and will enhance our vigilance in the Baltic." The mission will also deploy a small fleet of naval drones "to provide enhanced surveillance and deterrence," Rutte added.
The British Defense Ministry said "Specific vessels identified as being part of Russia's shadow fleet have been registered into the system so they can be closely monitored when approaching key areas of interest."
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said the country's ability to monitor vessels in the region was at a "good level," but would be strengthened by the U.K.-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) countries clubbing together "to better identify suspicious vessels even before they arrive in Finland's vicinity."
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What Happens Next
The initiative comes amid rising concerns over potential Russian activities following a series of incidents in the Baltic.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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