NATO intensifies its efforts in the Baltic Sea through Operation Baltic Sentry 2025. The aim is to protect critical underwater infrastructure and counter sabotage and hybrid activities.

Baltic Sentry involves an increased military presence in the region where warships, submarines, and aircraft, together with advanced surveillance technology, will enhance the monitoring of undersea cables and pipelines that are vital for energy supply and communication, according to a press release from NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM).

As part of the effort, Sweden contributes resources from the Swedish Armed Forces and the Coast Guard, following a government decision on January 9. The government has tasked the Swedish Armed Forces to provide up to three warships and an air and sea surveillance aircraft, ASC 890, to NATO. The Coast Guard participates with four ships for monitoring priority areas, and an additional seven ships are kept on standby, according to a press release from the Ministry of Defense.

– Through the Swedish contribution from both the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard, Sweden shows its strong support and participation in strengthening security in the Baltic Sea, says Minister of Defense Pål Jonson (M) in the press release.

Yesterday, the heads of state and government of the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, met in Helsinki for the Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit, hosted by Finland's President Alexander Stubb together with Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

– We will respond decisively if the critical infrastructure in our vicinity is in danger. Protecting it requires both national and international measures. NATO member states in the Baltic Sea have a very unified view on this, said President Stubb, in a press release from the Office of the President of the Republic.

According to the press release, the leaders of NATO countries in the Baltic region have agreed to use all means available under international law to counter the threat from the shadow fleet.

In a joint statement from the heads of state and government, it is crucial to increase both deterrence and defense through surveillance, modernization of defense capabilities, and strengthened cooperation with private actors, including infrastructure providers and technology companies.

The leaders emphasized the importance of addressing threats related to Russia's "shadow fleet," which is considered a particular risk to maritime and environmental security in the region. They also agreed to introduce new surveillance systems and tools to identify and respond to potential threats. Together, the countries will work towards a regional agreement on the protection of critical infrastructure, enhanced resilience, and rapid repair in case of damage.

Additionally, they welcomed Jens Stoltenberg's assignment to analyze and provide policy recommendations to strengthen security and defense cooperation in the region, which Defense Sector News previously reported on. Stoltenberg's report, to be presented in June 2025 ahead of NATO's summit in The Hague, aims to strengthen cooperation between Baltic Sea countries and provide long-term solutions to address threats to critical infrastructure and regional security.