Recent suspicious activity at sea prompts NATO to respond

Recent suspect cable breaks have led NATO, during a recent meeting, to decide to deploy ships, patrol aircraft, and naval drones in the Baltic Sea.

This presence aims to secure critical infrastructures, following a series of incidents in the Baltic Sea that have damaged electrical cables, telecom networks, and pipelines.

On December 26, Finnish authorities seized the Russian tanker Eagle S, belonging to what NATO refers to as Russia’s “phantom fleet.”

The Alliance has implemented new measures to counter this threat and secure critical underwater infrastructure.

The vessel is suspected of having damaged the Finnish-Estonian Estlink 2 electric line as well as four telecom cables by dragging its anchor over more than 100 km (60 miles), causing significant damage.

Authorities believe that the tanker would have continued its sabotage on other infrastructures if it had not been intercepted.

The Finnish president described these deliberate attacks on infrastructures as “clearly” linked to Russia.

Another series of incidents occurred in 2024 when two internet cables were suddenly cut one day apart: the first connecting Lithuania to Sweden on November 17, and the second connecting Finland to Germany on November 18.

The Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3, coming from a Russian port, is said to have crossed over both cables at approximately the time each was cut, according to tracking data examined during the investigation.

It should be noted that the Baltic Sea is one of the busiest maritime areas in the world, connecting European ports to international markets.

Every day, about 2,000 ships, including tankers, cargo ships, and ferries, cross the region. However, geopolitical tensions and environmental concerns amplify security and surveillance stakes.