How will NATO’s Baltic Sentry work to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea?
The Baltic Sea is a large area, packed with undersea cables. (Photo: US Navy/Petty Officer 2nd Class Elexia Morelos)
The rise in incidents of damage to subsea cabling in the Baltic Seahas driven NATO to commit to bolstering the action of local navies. But how effective can it be?
In the wake of serious undersea cable damage throughout 2024, particularly towards the end of the year, NATO has developed a response named Baltic Sentry.
Announced on 14 January 2025 at a summit in Helsinki, Baltic Sentry has combined warships, drones, patrol aircraft and advanced surveillance systems, such as the UK-led Nordic Warden system, both to act as a deterrent to potential threats from adversary craft, and to potentially challenge saboteur vessels before or during their detrimental actions.
But can such a surface approach genuinely work to deliver safety to Baltic Sea underwater infrastructure? And if it can, how can
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA]()
Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA
RTX’s solution for DARPA’s Pulling Guard programme is intended to provide advanced maritime defence technologies to protect platforms against uncrewed surface vehicles and other threats.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
