NATO to Deploy 10 Ships in the Baltic Sea for Underwater Infrastructure Protection

NATO is set to deploy up to ten naval vessels in the Baltic Sea to secure critical underwater infrastructure, as part of a new operation that will begin at the end of this week and continue until April. The initiative aims to enhance the protection of energy and data cables, which are considered essential for the region’s security.

According to Finland’s public broadcasting service Yle, the operation will involve ships from NATO’s Baltic Fleet, as well as additional vessels provided by member states.

These ships will be positioned primarily near vital energy and communication cables to act as a deterrent against potential sabotage. NATO, however, will not be able to block the passage of other vessels in international waters, as specified in the report.

In addition to NATO's enhanced presence, Finnish and Estonian ships will continue to patrol the Gulf of Finland, ensuring the protection of the area. The increased naval deployment follows a request from Finland and Estonia, who suspect that a tanker named Eagle S caused damage to the Estlink 2 power cable between Finland and Estonia, along with several telecommunications cables in the Gulf of Finland, on December 25, 2024.

These nations suspect that the tanker is part of Russia’s shadow fleet and has been helping to circumvent Western sanctions.

The decision to strengthen NATO's maritime security was made on December 30, 2024, and comes after several incidents of underwater cable damage in the region. Over the past year, three incidents of cable damage have been reported: in November 2024, a telecommunications cable between Sweden, Lithuania, Finland, and Germany was severed; and in October 2023, the Newnew Polarbear vessel damaged both the Balticconnector gas pipeline and multiple communication cables.

As part of its response, NATO’s Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), which includes ten nations, announced on January 6, 2025, that it would expand its monitoring efforts. Using artificial intelligence, JEF countries will enhance the surveillance of maritime traffic near critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

Earlier on December 27, 2024, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced the alliance’s decision to increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea.