
NATO has announced the launch of a new mission to protect submarine cables in the Baltic Sea. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on January 14 that the Baltic Watch mission is being launched to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea amid growing concerns about potential Russian sabotage and espionage activities in the region. The new mission will include a variety of naval and air assets to provide enhanced surveillance and deterrence.
Mission Content and Contributing Countries
The “Baltic Watch” mission aims to increase security against possible sabotage of NATO’s submarine cables in the Baltic region. The mission will use frigates, maritime patrol aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle fleets. In addition to protecting submarine cables, these vehicles will help establish a stronger security network among NATO member states. NATO Secretary General Rutte emphasized that this mission is of great importance, especially since 95% of internet traffic is provided via submarine cables. Carrying $10 trillion worth of financial transactions every day, these cables form the cornerstone of global communication and trade.
According to Rutte's statements, the main purpose of the Baltic Watch will be to detect, prevent and, if necessary, respond to threats to critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Rutte emphasized that NATO's enemies know that attacks on the alliance's infrastructure will not be accepted, and also noted that the necessary measures will be taken against such attacks.
Support from NATO Member States
Germany has also announced its participation in this new mission launched by NATO. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that their country will contribute to the Baltic Watch mission. Scholz stated that Germany plans to participate in this mission with ships or surveillance aircraft and that the contributions will be shaped in line with its naval capabilities. He also mentioned that Germany's concrete participation in this new mission will be linked to the relevant deployments.
Cyber Attacks and Sabotage Threats
Rutte said that they launched this mission as part of a broader campaign of threats aimed at destabilizing societies, as well as cyberattacks and sabotage in the Baltic region. In this context, Rutte, who met with the leaders of the Baltic countries in Helsinki, conveyed the message that NATO as a whole alliance will join forces against these threats.
NATO’s “Baltic Watch” mission, which aims to protect submarine cables in the Baltic Sea, stands out as an important step towards strengthening security in the region. This mission focuses on protecting submarine cables that are critical to securing global communications and trade, and is expected to provide stronger deterrence with the support of NATO member countries. This new step by NATO is of great importance as a strategic security measure at a time when threats to submarine cables are increasing.