NATO protects critical undersea infrastructure

NATO has launched Operation Baltic Sentry. The aim is to enhance maritime surveillance and deter state or non-state actors from sabotaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Sweden is contributing corvettes, various types of support vessels, and a radar reconnaissance aircraft.

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Fartyg
This is the first time that the Swedish Armed Forces has handed over the command of ships for this type of operation to NATO, making NATO responsible for tasking the Swedish vessels. Photo: Jimmie Adamsson/Swedish Armed Forces

This is the first time that the Swedish Armed Forces has handed over the command of ships for this type of operation to NATO, making NATO responsible for tasking the Swedish vessels.

“For the first time, we are placing surface ships from the Swedish Navy under NATO’s direct command in an operation. We are doing this less than a year after joining the alliance, demonstrating that we are a credible and reliable ally,” says Navy Chief Johan Norlén.

To continue indefinitely

The Swedish Armed Forces’ radar reconnaissance aircraft will support the operation but will remain under the command of the Air Force. During Baltic Sentry, Sweden’s quick reaction fighter jets will also be ready to assist if necessary.

The operation will continue indefinitely and is a response to incidents where underwater cables in the Baltic Sea have been damaged, most recently between Estonia and Finland on December 25.

A clear signal

According to General Cavoli, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, the operation also sends a clear signal of the alliance’s unity and ability to respond swiftly to such incidents.

NATO’s operational headquarters in Brunssum leads the operation and coordinates all air and naval movements, with strong support from the CTF Baltic staff in Germany, where several Swedish officers are stationed.