NATO and its allies have increased their patrols in the Baltic Sea in response to recent damage to undersea infrastructure in the region. These measures include extra surveillance and reconnaissance flights using maritime patrol aircraft, NATO AWACS planes, and drones. A group of four NATO minehunters has also been dispatched to the area.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely, and we remain in close contact with our Allies Estonia and Finland, and our partner Sweden,” said acting NATO spokesperson Dylan White. “NATO will continue to adapt its maritime posture in the Baltic Sea and will take all necessary steps to keep Allies safe.”
After the Nord Stream sabotage incident in September 2022, NATO has increased its patrols around crucial undersea infrastructure areas. It is actively promoting technological innovation, including using drones, to improve the detection of any suspicious activities.
Earlier this year, NATO established an undersea infrastructure coordination cell to strengthen the ties between the governments, military, industry actors, and NATO.
In addition, NATO has also set up the NATO Maritime Centre for the Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure within its Maritime Command to enhance the security of these critical assets.
