VIDEO: Plenty Of Sentry Duty As NATO Gets Busy In Baltic
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NATO forces have been engaged in a series of exercises, demonstrations, and patrols as part of their ongoing Baltic Sentry initiative to protect critical undersea infrastructure (CUI).
As per a press statement from Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) NATO’S’s Standing Naval Forces carried out a capabilities demonstration of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) off the coast of Denmark between February 17 and 20.
The four-day demo was also partly a rehearsal for the upcoming NATO Dynamic Messenger Exercise in September, which this year will run in tandem with the Portuguese Navy’s multinational REPMUS exercise. Both REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger focus on operational experimentation and the integration of unmanned systems.
Watch video footage filmed by Nato MultimediaTV of more Baltic Sentry activities, including an interview with HNLMS Schiedam’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Sander Klop
During the MARCOM USV demo ships from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1), led by flagship HNLMS Tromp joined assets from the Royal Danish Navy and the German Navy in tactical manoeuvres involving a mix of crewed and uncrewed assets and live-fire events.
Surface ships also practised counter-UxV training in the demonstration, which represented a partnered initiative between NATO’s Allied Command Transformation and MARCOM, with USVs deployed via the new Task Force X initiative.
“This demonstration highlights the Alliance’s ability to trial and integrate unmanned systems into the networked operational environment,” said MARCOM Commander Vice Admiral Mike Utley.
"Task Force X is intended to be employed alongside Enhanced Vigilance Activities in support of ACO, to further reassure Allies and deter acts of vandalism against critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea,” said Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation.
“It provides a framework for all nations to contribute by enabling the deployment of their own autonomous capabilities, while showcasing the value of a range of exquisite capabilities and emerging technologies.
“This collaborative effort will fill gaps in surveillance, particularly in areas not covered by existing systems like the Automatic Identification System, and improve our ability to detect vessels that may be operating without identification."
Meanwhile Belgian Navy frigate BNS Louise-Marie left Zeebrugge on February 17 to begin a two-month NATO deployment.
She will help protect underwater infrastructure as part of Operation Baltic Sentry, joining SNMG1, and is also set to take part in the upcoming Joint Viking exercise, near the Russian border.
"The crew of the Louise-Marie is particularly ready and willing to participate in this mission in the Baltic where the ship will support our NATO allies for the benefit of greater stability and security in the world," commented Commander of the Belgian Navy Admiral Tanguy Botman.
And a U.S. Marine Corps platoon has also deployed to Finland in support of NATO, adding to the alliance’s ongoing efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure.
As per a recent social media post, the 40 marines will support Baltic Sentry alongside the Finnish Coastal Brigade, using uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and small watercraft.
- You can read more details on the MARCOM website and the Belgian Armed Forces website