On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, along with President Alexander Stubb of Finland and Prime Minister Kristen Michal of Estonia, co-hosted a Summit of Baltic Sea Allies.
Rutte has unveiled the initiation of “Baltic Sentry,” a strategic move aimed at bolstering NATO’s military footprint in the Baltic Sea while simultaneously enhancing the Allies’ capacity to address destabilizing actions.
The operation known as “Baltic Sentry” is set to incorporate a diverse array of assets, notably frigates and maritime patrol aircraft. The Secretary General has revealed plans for the deployment of advanced technologies, notably a small fleet of naval drones. This initiative underscores NATO’s commitment to collaborating with Allies to integrate national surveillance assets, aimed at enhancing the capacity to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure and respond effectively when necessary.
Mr. Rutte emphasized Finland’s example of taking decisive legal action, stating, “Ship captains must understand that potential threats to our infrastructure will have consequences, including possible boarding, impounding, and arrest.”
Allies participating in the Summit signed a Joint Statement of the Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit.