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ABOARD A FRENCH NAVY FLIGHT OVER THE BALTIC SEA (AP) — A French Navy surveillance aircraft equipped with advanced imaging technology surveyed the Baltic Sea, monitoring the activities of ships below. The long-range Atlantique 2 aircraft zoomed in on various vessels, gathering valuable information during its mission for NATO, covering significant areas of the Baltic from Germany to Estonia.
The presence of this flight, along with accompanying military ships patrolling the waters, reflects NATO’s heightened awareness and proactive approach to protecting critical infrastructure. The alliance has ramped up its surveillance efforts amid growing concerns over potential acts of sabotage targeting vital undersea energy and data cables.
“We will do everything in our power to identify threats and ensure the safety of our critical infrastructure,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated earlier this month. He announced the launch of “Baltic Sentry”, a mission aimed at safeguarding the underwater networks essential for the economic vitality of nations around the Baltic region.
Importance of Undersea Infrastructure
The Baltic Sea is crisscrossed by numerous power and communication cables, as well as gas pipelines linking the nine nations bordering the sea. Key installations include the Balticconnector pipeline between Finland and Estonia and the C-Lion1 cable connecting Finland and Germany, vital for regional energy supply and digital communication.
The Growing Threat
These undersea systems are critical not only for economic functions but also for everyday life, affecting the warmth of homes and the flow of information to billions worldwide. Recent data indicates there are over 1.3 million kilometers of fiber optic cables globally, utterly essential for modern communication.
Recent months have raised alarms regarding undersea infrastructure, with incidents of cable damage prompting investigations. In the last two months, multiple cables connecting various Baltic nations have been reported damaged, which has led NATO and other officials to express deep concerns over potential sabotage.
Since October 2023, damage to at least 11 cables in the Baltic has been reported, with a wire linking Latvia and Gotland being the latest victim. While subsea cable damage is not uncommon, the frequency of these incidents within such a concentrated area arouses suspicion of intentional attacks.
Evaluating the Risks
Concerns have emerged that Russia may be engaging in a broader strategy of hybrid warfare, utilizing such acts to test the resolve of nations supporting Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Moscow. Without naming Russia, Rutte referred to hybrid tactics that can include sabotage and cyberattacks against critical infrastructure.
The investigation into recent damages has been complicated, as Finnish police identified the Eagle S tank, which is part of the fleet accused of causing cable damage on Christmas Day. The vessel reportedly left a 100-kilometer trace on the seabed due to anchor dragging.
Various sources from Western intelligence have suggested that much of the recent damage to the Baltic cables may not be the result of sabotage. Instead, they point to operational failures or maritime mishaps, asserting that many incidents stem from poorly maintained ships rather than hostile actions.
Despite the reassurance from some quarters that many incidents are due to accidental damage, organizations representing cable operators have warned that keeping vigilance is essential due to the overall risks presented by maritime operations in the area.
NATO’s Response
In light of these challenges, NATO has mobilized warships, advanced patrol aircraft, and naval drones as part of the Baltic Sentry mission to enhance monitoring and deterrence capabilities.
During a recent flight, the crew scanned the waters, cross-referencing bloated vessels against their surveillance checklist.
Lt. Alban, the flight commander, indicated that suspicious activities from ships, including unusual speeds or anchorage positions, are meticulously watched. “We can closely monitor activities with our sensors to assess situations accurately,” he noted.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, NATO’s efforts in the Baltic Sea will remain critical to ensuring the security of vital infrastructure and deterring potential threats.
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