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NATO builds out capability layers in delivering ‘Baltic Sentry' CUI

By Dr. Lee Willett |

Netherlands F-35s and NATO ships from SNMG1 and SNMCMG1 are pictured on patrol during ‘Baltic Sentry'. The varied capabilities brought together for this maritime surveillance activity are designed to deliver collective deterrence. (Royal Netherlands Navy)

NATO is continuing to build the output of its new ‘Baltic Sentry' maritime surveillance activity, as it seeks to deter threats to critical undersea infrastructure (CUI) in the Baltic Sea.

This capacity is being built with more navies participating in the activity, and with different countries contributing different capabilities.

In the case of naval participation, NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) announced on 21 January that the Royal Swedish Navy (RSwN) corvette, HSwMS Visby, would be joining Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) for ‘Baltic Sentry'. Alongside MARCOM's other North Atlantic region-focused standing naval force, Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group 1 (SNMCMG1), SNMG1 is the centrepiece of the ‘Baltic Sentry' surveillance activity.

“The Visby-class corvette joins the mission to enhance NATO's maritime presence, boosting situational awareness and protecting CUI,” MARCOM noted on social media.

“These corvettes are ideally suited for operations in the Baltic Sea, and this platform will significantly enhance our capabilities to deter and defend allies' interests,” MARCOM spokesperson Commander Arlo Abrahamson told Janes .

The RSwN in a social media statement noted that – in participating in ‘Baltic Sentry' – Visby has become the first Swedish ship to be placed directly under NATO command.

The RSwN had already planned to send ships into the SNMGs in 2025, but ‘Baltic Sentry' provided another, earlier opportunity to do so.

The Swedish Armed Forces noted, in a separate statement, that Swedish support ships and reconnaissance aircraft will also be contributing.

Focused deterrence

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