NATO initiates Baltic Sentry operation to defend undersea infrastructure in Baltic Sea

Allied Command Operations (ACO), which is responsible for the planning and execution of all NATO operations, has executed Baltic Sentry in the Baltic Sea to deter any future attempts by a state or non-state actor to damage critical undersea infrastructure there.

The multi-domain operation known as Baltic Sentry is set to continue for an indefinite period of time and is being conducted in response to significant damage to undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland, which occurred on December 25, 2024.

The operation, launched on January 14, 2025, follows a declaration of solidarity from NATO allies, made on December 30, and is taking place in parallel with the Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit in Helsinki, Finland.

According to US Army General Christopher G. Cavoli, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Baltic Sentry is intended to deliver “a robust and focused deterrence throughout the Baltic Sea”, responding directly to destabilizing actions such as the damage to critical undersea infrastructure witnessed last month. General Cavoli emphasized the operation’s role in showcasing NATO’s capability for rapid response to threats.

The operation will be spearheaded by Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS), which will lead the coordination and execution of Baltic Sentry for the Allied Command Operations.

JFCBS will synchronize its multi-domain efforts across air, land, sea, cyber, and space. A central role in the maritime component of the operation will be played by Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), which is responsible for overseeing the maritime aspects of NATO’s operations.

As part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard vital undersea infrastructure, NATO has also established the NATO Maritime Centre for Security of Critical Underwater Infrastructure (NMCSCUI) at MARCOM.

This center serves as a vital networking and knowledge hub, assisting ACO and NATO allies in making critical decisions related to the protection of undersea cables, pipelines, and other vital infrastructure. The NMCSCUI also plays an essential role in coordinating NATO’s response efforts and providing the knowledge necessary for the successful protection of these strategic assets.

The operation reflects NATO’s determination to uphold security and stability within the Baltic Sea and beyond.

Meanwhile, the Royal Netherlands Navy sent two of its surface vessels to support NATO’s operation in the Baltic Sea to protect critical subsea infrastructure, HNLMS Luymes and HNLMS Tromp.

The hydrographic survey vessel Luymes is currently the flagship of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1, while the frigate Tromp fulfills that role for the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1. Tripartite-class minehunter HNLMS Schiedam will also join them in the Baltic next week. The vessels will be part of the operation until the end of February 2025 at least.