Source: Washington Post
“NATO is launching a new patrol and surveillance operation to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region bordering Russia, the alliance said Tuesday after several breaches to undersea cables put European authorities on high alert. The mission will boost the Western military alliance’s presence in a region on edge, including with frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, submarine satellites, remotely operated vehicles and a ‘small fleet of naval drones’ to enhance surveillance, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told a news conference in Helsinki. He declined to share ship figures and said the number of vessels ‘might differ from one week to another,’ but said the operation, dubbed ‘Baltic Sentry,’ would work ‘to deter future destabilizing acts’ and ‘enhance our vigilance in the Baltic.’ A statement from NATO said the operation would ‘continue for an undisclosed amount of time.'” (01/14/25)