Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit, 14 January 2025
In a pivotal move to bolster the security of critical undersea infrastructure, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, announced the launch of the ‘Baltic Sentry’ initiative during the Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit.
This high-profile meeting, held against the backdrop of increasing threats to vital undersea cables, brought together key regional leaders to address the escalating challenges posed by cyberattacks, sabotage, and other destabilizing activities. The Baltic Sea has recently become a focal point for such threats, with damage reported to energy and telecoms cables connecting Lithuania to Sweden, Germany to Finland, and Estonia to Finland in the past two months alone.

A Growing Threat to Global Stability
Undersea cables are the backbone of modern society, securing over 95% of internet traffic and facilitating an estimated $10 trillion in daily financial transactions through a sprawling network of 1.3 million kilometers of cables. Damage to this infrastructure poses severe risks to national security, economic stability, and societal resilience.
“Across the Alliance, we have seen elements of a campaign to destabilize our societies,” Rutte stated. “From cyberattacks to sabotage, the threats to our undersea infrastructure demand decisive action.”
NATO’s Comprehensive Response
NATO has been proactive in addressing these challenges over the past two years, stepping up military patrols near critical infrastructures and establishing the Maritime Centre for the Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure in the United Kingdom in May 2024. These efforts have been complemented by intensified collaboration with the European Union, the private sector, and national governments.
The newly launched ‘Baltic Sentry’ initiative marks a significant escalation in NATO’s commitment to infrastructure security. Under the authority of Supreme Allied Commander General Chris Cavoli, this operation will:
- Enhance Maritime Monitoring: Deploy frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, and other assets to increase vigilance in the Baltic Sea.
- Integrate Advanced Technologies: Introduce a fleet of naval drones to enhance surveillance and deterrence capabilities.
- Strengthen Coordination: Integrate national surveillance assets with NATO systems for comprehensive threat detection.
- Enforce Robust Legal Measures: Support national authorities in enforcing maritime law, including the boarding, impounding, and arrest of vessels posing threats to infrastructure.
- Build Resilient Systems: Collaborate with industry operators through the Critical Undersea Infrastructure Network to develop safer, more reparable, and redundant systems.

A Call for Collective Action
Rutte emphasized the importance of collaboration between NATO Allies, industry stakeholders, and national governments. “By working together, we will ensure the safety and security not only of our critical infrastructure but of all that we hold dear,” he said.
President Stubb and Prime Minister Michal echoed these sentiments, reinforcing the need for unity and resilience in the face of shared threats.
Looking Ahead
The launch of ‘Baltic Sentry’ underscores NATO’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lifelines of modern society. As regional and global challenges continue to evolve, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the stability and prosperity of NATO Allies.
Stay tuned for further updates on this dynamic initiative and its impact on maritime security in the Baltic region.
By: Katerina Urbanova
Photo credit: NATO