NATO ACO is executing BALTIC SENTRY in the Baltic Sea to deter any future attempts to damage critical undersea infrastructure there.
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SHAPE Press Release, Mons, 14 January 2025: Allied Command Operations (ACO), which is responsible for the planning and execution of all NATO operations, is executing BALTIC SENTRY in the Baltic Sea to deter any future attempts by a state or non-state actor to damage critical undersea infrastructure there.
The multi-domain activity, which will continue for an undisclosed amount of time, is in response to damage to undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland on December 25, and follows a declaration of solidarity by Allies with the two countries on December 30, and the Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit in Helsinki, Finland today.
“BALTIC SENTRY will deliver focused deterrence throughout the Baltic Sea and counter destabilising acts like those observed last month,” said US Army General Christopher G. Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. “It is indicative of the Alliance’s ability to rapidly respond to such destabilisation, and shows the strength of our unity in the face of any challenge.”
Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS) will lead ‘BALTIC SENTRY’ for ACO, and synchronise its multi-domain activities, with Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) playing a central role in the maritime domain. The NATO Maritime Centre for Security of Critical Underwater Infrastructure (NMCSCUI), a networking and knowledge centre based at MARCOM, will assist ACO and NATO Allies in making decisions and coordinating action relating to critical undersea infrastructure protection and response.
While BALTIC SENTRY is new, NATO Forces maintain persistent presence in the Baltic Sea, conducting regular patrols and joint exercises to enhance readiness. Allied warships, submarines and aircraft, supported by advanced maritime surveillance technology, monitor waters throughout this region and beyond.
The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) is the military headquarters of ACO.
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