Finland has announced the departure of warships to the Baltic Sea to participate in NATO operations aimed at ensuring regional security and protecting critically important underwater infrastructure. According to the country's Navy website, it is part of the Baltic Sentry alliance mission.
Finnish Navy expand their activity in the Baltic Sea within the limited NATO activity (EVA). According to the Navy representatives, this involves an increase in the presence at sea, increased observation, information exchange and active participation in joint exercises with allies.
Particular attention is paid to the protection of maritime communications and infrastructure that are strategically important to the region. According to Captain Marko Laksonen, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Naval Operations of Finland.
The Finnish Navy joins the new NATO patrol mission, created after damage to the underwater cables in the Baltic Sea during the Christmas holidays. Within this mission, NATO ships are working to guarantee infrastructure safety and contain possible threats. During January and February, Finland will send one of the Hamina missile boats to NATO's permanent NATO Sea Group (SNMG1).
Military activity in the Baltic Sea is a response to increasing risks. Last week, the first two Baltic Watch Ships arrived in the Gulf of Finnish. Their task is to protect underwater infrastructure and ensure stability in the region.
