Portuguese frigate to monitor Russian forces in Baltic Sea

Portugal has deployed a frigate to the Baltic Sea to monitor the activities of the Russian Navy and Air Force, the Portuguese Navy’s press service announced.

The ship, NRP D. Francisco de Almeida, carrying around 165 sailors, will take part in NATO’s Brilliant Shield operation. 

“The Portuguese frigate will join Operational Group 441.01 of the NATO Standing Naval Group 1 (SNMG1), with its primary mission being to monitor the activities of the Russian naval and air forces, support deterrence, and strengthen allied presence in key maritime areas,” the press service said.

Brilliant Shield is a NATO collective defense operation launched in 2022. In December 2024, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced plans to increase military presence in the Baltic Sea following a rise in incidents involving damaged undersea cables.

By Jeyhun Aghazada