ABOARD A FRENCH NAVY PLANE OVER THE BALTIC SEA — A French Navy surveillance aircraft equipped with advanced imaging technology was actively surveying the Baltic Sea. The crew zoomed in on a cargo ship navigating the waters below, scrutinizing every detail from its deck to the smoke emitted from its chimney.
The long-range Atlantique 2 aircraft was on a vital NATO mission, conducting a surveillance operation spanning over five hours, during which it successfully monitored a significant portion of the Baltic region, extending from Germany to Estonia, which borders Russia. The presence of this aerial patrol, coupled with naval ships patrolling the sea, communicated a clear message: NATO is increasing its defenses against potential vulnerabilities related to undersea energy and communication infrastructure.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the alliance’s commitment to protecting this crucial underwater network, which is instrumental in the economic stability of Baltic states. He announced a new initiative, named “Baltic Sentry,” focusing on safeguarding these vital resources. “We will do everything in our power to ensure security and to observe any threats,” Rutte stated, stressing the importance of being prepared for any future incidents.
The Baltic Sea is home to a network of vital undersea power and communications cables and gas pipelines that connect nine neighboring countries. For instance, the Balticconnector pipeline, spanning 152 kilometers (94 miles), facilitates gas transport between Finland and Estonia, while the Baltic Cable links Sweden and Germany’s power grids. Additionally, the C-Lion1 telecommunications cable extends 1,173 kilometers (729 miles) between Finland and Germany.
These undersea cables are crucial for powering economies and maintaining connections for billions globally. According to TeleGeography, over 1.3 million kilometers (807,800 miles) of fiber optic cables run across oceans, enabling 97% of worldwide communication, along with critical financial transactions worth trillions.
However, recent months have raised alarms with reports of damage to multiple undersea cables. Rutte highlighted that in just two months, cables linking Lithuania and Sweden, Germany and Finland, and Estonia and Finland have suffered damage, with ongoing investigations into these incidents.
Since October 2023, at least 11 cables in the Baltic have been reported damaged, the latest involving a fiber optic connection between Latvia and Gotland, Sweden. Although instances of subsea cable damage are not uncommon, the increased frequency of these occurrences has led to suspicions of deliberate sabotage.
Concerns have been heightened by fears that Russia may target these infrastructures as part of an aggressive hybrid warfare strategy aimed at destabilizing European nations that are supporting Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Moscow. Rutte noted that the term “hybrid” encompasses actions such as sabotage, cyber-attacks, and attempts of targeted attacks on vital infrastructure.
Suspicions have been raised regarding the involvement of the Eagle S, an oil tanker blamed for damaging the Estlink 2 power cable and two additional communication cables between Finland and Estonia last December. Finnish authorities suspect that this vessel is part of a “shadow fleet” operating in defiance of the sanctions imposed on Russian oil exports. The ship was seized shortly after its departure from a Russian port when it reportedly damaged cables by dragging its anchor, leaving behind a trail extending approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) on the seabed.
Although some Western intelligence officials suggest the recent damage was mostly accidental, resultant from poorly maintained ships and their anchors, there remains a degree of uncertainty. Factors such as the mechanical failure of anchors and insufficient crew standards have been pointed to as possible explanations, distancing the incidents from direct Russian involvement. Notably, Russian cables have also been severed during this period.
The European Subsea Cables Association reported that globally, a subsea cable experiences damage approximately every three days. In Northern European waters, damage is often caused by commercial fishing or ship anchors. Following the incident connecting Latvia and Sweden, authorities detained a Maltese-flagged ship en route to South America, which was carrying fertilizer. The ship’s owners claimed that any damage caused was unintentional, with the crew realizing their anchor had snagged the seabed during severely adverse weather conditions.
To enhance surveillance and deterrence in the Baltic region, NATO’s “Baltic Sentry” mission is gathering warships, maritime patrol planes, and naval drones. The crew aboard the French surveillance flight is diligently monitoring various vessels below, cross-referencing their findings against lists of suspicious ships.
“If we observe unusual activities, such as vessels moving at abnormally low speeds or anchoring in unexpected locations, we can thoroughly investigate,” said the French flight commander, Lt. Alban, who remained anonymous for security reasons. “Our sensors allow us to take a close look at these situations to ensure all is well.”
