NATO launches Open Spirit 2025 demining operation in Baltic Sea

The international maritime operation Open Spirit 2025, aimed at locating and neutralizing underwater munitions, will run from May 9 to 23 in Lithuania’s territorial waters in the Baltic Sea.

The operation aims to locate and neutralize unexploded ordnance from past conflicts lying on the seabed of the Baltic Sea, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

The Lithuanian Defence Ministry confirmed that the port city of Klaipėda will host 12 warships and 14 specialized diving and underwater robotics teams from 13 NATO member states, including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, and Portugal.

The primary objective of the operation is to safeguard vital underwater infrastructure and maritime routes from the legacy of munitions dating back to the First and Second World Wars. These submerged explosives continue to pose significant risks to both civilian shipping and regional security infrastructure.

"This operation is not only a tangible contribution to the security of our region, but also a powerful signal of the unity and preparedness of our allies," said Giedrius Premeneckas, Acting Chief of Staff and Commander of Lithuanian Navy Flotilla.

"Thousands of munitions still lie on the Baltic seabed, threatening navigation and critical infrastructure," Premeneckas added.

As part of the exercise, a high-risk underwater defusal is scheduled for May 20. The Ministry has advised that residents and visitors in the Curonian Spit area may hear the sound of a controlled explosion. Maritime navigation will be temporarily restricted in the vicinity, with the perimeter secured by participating naval vessels.

Open Spirit is an annual NATO initiative aimed at enhancing maritime security, strengthening allied cooperation, and mitigating the long-term dangers of historic underwater munitions in the Baltic region.

By Vafa Guliyeva