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NATO to Deploy Maritime Drones for Baltic Sea Infrastructure Protection

By Abbas Nazil

NATO is set to deploy maritime unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in the Baltic Sea as part of Operation Baltic Sentinel, an initiative aimed at safeguarding critical underwater infrastructure such as energy and communication cables.

This development, reported by The War Zone, underscores NATO’s commitment to improving situational awareness and enhancing the security of vital maritime assets in the region.

According to French Admiral Pierre Vandier, Commander of NATO’s Supreme Allied Command Transformation (SACT), the first wave of maritime drones will be delivered within weeks to NATO’s Maritime Command (MARCOM).

The operation will initially see at least 20 USVs deployed, utilizing primarily passive sensors to gather intelligence and monitor potential threats.

These drones are expected to operate under direct human control during the initial phase, with plans to eventually enable them to perform certain tasks autonomously.

Admiral Vandier highlighted the importance of creating a unified information network to compile and share data, including images, videos, and radar intelligence, with all stakeholders involved.

This integrated system is designed to enhance NATO’s ability to respond rapidly to threats, ensuring constant surveillance of critical areas.

While the exact model of the USVs has not yet been confirmed, NATO officials are finalizing the necessary capabilities for the operation.

The announcement of Operation Baltic Sentinel came on January 14, 2025, during the Baltic Summit.

NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, emphasized the alliance’s determination to protect critical infrastructure amid rising concerns over sabotage incidents.

Rutte pointed to recent attacks on underwater cables as a significant threat, reaffirming the commitment of NATO member states to collective security.

One such incident involved the Eagle S oil tanker, which was detained by Finnish authorities on December 26, 2024.

The vessel, transporting oil from Russia to Egypt, is suspected of deliberately severing a communication cable between Estonia and Finland.

The cable was damaged while the Eagle S was in the vicinity, raising suspicions of deliberate sabotage.

Operation Baltic Sentinel is a direct response to these threats, aiming to bolster the resilience of vital maritime infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

The deployment of maritime drones will serve as a deterrent and an early-warning mechanism, reinforcing NATO’s ability to safeguard critical assets against further attacks.

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