Lithuanian Navy Contributing UUV To Baltic Sentry

The Lithuanian Navy’s contribution to NATO’s new Baltic Sentry initiative to help protect critical undersea infrastructure (CUI) includes MCM vessels and an undersea drone.

As per a recent press statement from the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the Lithuanian Navy has committed both offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and mine countermeasures (MCM) ships to contribute to Baltic Sentry patrols.

It added: “The Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) asset aboard the MCM ship will assist with Baltic seafloor monitoring.”

The Lithuanian Navy currently has three active MCM vessels: a former Norwegian ship, the Vidar-class Jotvingis minelayer and command vessel, and two ex-Royal Navy Hunt-class mine warfare ships, the Skavis and Kursis. A third Hunt–class MCM ship, the former HMS Quorn, was acquired by Lithuania in 2020 and is currently being modernised ready for redeployment.

Commander of the Lithuanian Navy Rear Admiral Giedrius Premeneckas commented: “Participation in the NATO Operation Baltic Sentry underlines the commitment of our country to ensure security not just nationally but also regionally.

“Our contribution is a clear signal that as a member of NATO Lithuania is making every effort to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.”

NATO’s Baltic Sentry operation was launched at the turn of the year in response to the damage caused to the undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland in a bid to prevent potential further attempts to harm undersea infrastructure and to enhance regional security.

Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė added: “We welcome NATO’s quick response to the threats to critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Operation Baltic Sentry is a sign of Alliance solidarity and unity and a proof that NATO responds to any type of attacks, including incidents in the Baltic Sea. We are not at war, but we are not at peace either.

“As the enemy showcases a clear expression of aggression, we must maintain constant vigilance and review national and international law.” 

• You can read further details on the Lithuanian Armed Forces website