NATO’s New Baltic Sentry To Secure Critical Undersea Infrastructure

After a summit of Baltic Sea allies on January 14, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President of Finland Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal announced the launch of the Baltic Sentry, a new NATO military effort to strengthen critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

The joint recommendation is a response to suspected sabotage by Russia on December 25, 2024. The shadow fleet tanker Eagle S reportedly damaged undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland, which affected communications and energy infrastructure between the two countries.

Baltic Sentry will be under the authority of Gen. Christopher Cavoli, USA, supreme allied commander Europe. The effort will involve employing frigates, maritime patrol aircraft and new technologies, including a small fleet of naval drones, Rutte said.

The goal is to increase protection of current critical infrastructure and take action against potential threats.

“Not only is this crucial for energy supply, whether from power cables or pipelines, but more than 95% of internet traffic is secured via undersea cables, and 1.3 million kilometers of cables guarantee an estimated $10 trillion worth of financial transactions every day,” Rutte said. “Recognizing the risks, allies and NATO have responded.”

After Eagle S damaged the cables in the Baltic Sea, Finland’s armed forces detained the vessel and have been investigating the incident since. All three leaders agreed that Finland’s response to the threat is now the benchmark for responses to critical infrastructure threats moving forward.

Rutte said strict law enforcement to counter critical infrastructure threats may include boarding, impounding and arrests.

Stubb also said the allies are working to develop a memorandum of understanding on critical infrastructure protection in the Baltic Sea like the one that exists between Estonia and Finland. To better understand the laws surrounding navigation in international waters, Stubb said the allies will seek legal advice.

While the leaders recognized that critical infrastructure threats can’t always be predicted, they agreed that they will work to secure the undersea networks with the help of industry operators.

“Together, we will identify further measures in accordance with international law of the sea, including the freedom of navigation, to prevent and effectively respond to willful damaging of critical undersea infrastructure or irresponsible behavior. Such behavior interferes, inter alia, with the freedom to lay cables and pipelines and poses a significant risk to the marine environment. We will also take actions for accountability and stronger enforcement against those responsible for damaging undersea infrastructure, including compensation for damage,” the Baltic Sea NATO allies’ joint statement said.

In the joint statement, Baltic Sea allies said they will further enhance the resilience of their communications network and energy infrastructure via reliable supply chains, stronger cybersecurity measures, undersea surveillance capabilities and engagement with the private sector.

“By working together with all allies, we will do what it takes to ensure the safety and security not only of our critical infrastructure but of all that we hold dear,” Rutte said.