US marines arrive in Finland to protect Baltic Sea underwater infrastructure

Approximately 40 US Marines have arrived in Finland to join the NATO-led Baltic Sentry mission, tasked with ensuring the safety of underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

The Finnish Navy confirmed the arrival of the US Marine unit this week, marking a key step in enhancing the security of critical undersea communications in the region, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

The Baltic Sentry mission, which was officially launched on January 14, aims to patrol the Baltic Sea and safeguard its vital underwater infrastructure, especially in light of recent incidents involving damage to undersea cables. The mission is part of broader efforts by NATO member states in the Baltic region to address emerging threats to undersea communications and enhance defence cooperation.

"This deployment is the first activity under the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between Finland and the United States, which took effect on September 1, 2024," the Finnish Navy stated.

The DCA, which strengthens military ties between Finland and the US, is expected to further enhance the presence and coordination of NATO forces in the region, ensuring robust defence capabilities in the face of growing security challenges.

The arrival of the US Marine unit is a clear demonstration of NATO's commitment to securing critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, an area of strategic importance for both regional and global security. As the Baltic Sentry mission progresses, it underscores the importance of international cooperation in protecting undersea communications and deterring potential threats to maritime security.

At the meeting in Helsinki on January 14, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the launch of a new military activity by NATO to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure.  Baltic Sentry will enhance NATO’s military presence in the Baltic Sea and improve Allies’ ability to respond to destabilizing acts.

At the Summit, leaders from across the region addressed the growing threat to critical undersea infrastructure. The Secretary General said recent sabotage had damaged energy and communication cables, but he was confident that, “by working together with all Allies – we will do what it takes to ensure the safety and security not only of our critical infrastructure but of all that we hold dear.”

Baltic Sentry will involve a range of assets, including frigates and maritime patrol aircraft. The Secretary General also announced the deployment of new technologies, including a small fleet of naval drones, and highlighted that NATO will work with Allies to integrate national surveillance assets – all to improve the ability to protect critical undersea infrastructure and respond if required. NATO will work within the Critical Undersea Infrastructure Network, which includes industry, to explore further ways to protect infrastructure and improve resilience of underwater assets.

By Vafa Guliyeva