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Belgian Navy Plays a Key Role in NATO's Baltic Sentry Operation in Baltic Sea.
On January 14, 2025, NATO launched the Baltic Sentry operation in response to attacks targeting strategic underwater infrastructures. In the face of the growing threat to the security of the region, several NATO ships were deployed to the Baltic Sea to enhance surveillance and protection of the vital sea lanes essential for European stability. The operation, coordinated at the international level, includes strong Belgian involvement, highlighting Belgium's active role within NATO to ensure collective defense.

The missions of Baltic Sentry are primarily focused on protecting maritime economic zones, securing underwater infrastructures, and managing risks related to unauthorized military movements. (Picture source: Belgian MoD)
The Baltic Sentry operation was initiated after significant damage was discovered to key underwater infrastructures in the Baltic Sea, including pipelines and cables connecting European countries. These attacks raised a major alert within NATO, prompting allies to respond swiftly to secure the region. Due to the vulnerability of critical infrastructures and the need to maintain strict control over this strategic area, NATO decided to deploy a multinational fleet to continuously patrol and increase surveillance.
The missions of Baltic Sentry are primarily focused on protecting maritime economic zones, securing underwater infrastructures, and managing risks related to unauthorized military movements. The Baltic Sea is a vital corridor for European trade and a crucial geopolitical crossroads between the EU, Russia, and neighboring states.
Belgium plays a key role in this strategic operation. The country has deployed several of its naval forces to help protect international waters and ensure the security of the sea lanes. Under the command of Commander Erik Kockx, the SNMCMG1, one of NATO's fleets, is actively engaged in continuous 24-hour patrols in cooperation with ships from other NATO member nations. Among the ships participating in the operation are minehunters and command vessels, some of which are based in Belgium, contributing to the collective effort to maintain stability in the Baltic Sea.
The Baltic Sentry operation is not just a demonstration of strength; it also addresses complex geopolitical issues. The Baltic Sea, rich in natural resources and strategic infrastructures, has become a hotspot for international tensions, particularly between NATO and Russia. Securing underwater infrastructures such as pipelines, communication cables, and energy installations is a top priority in this mission. These infrastructures are crucial for maintaining Europe's energy supply and international digital connectivity.
In this context, Baltic Sentry also addresses the growing threat of unauthorized military activities in the region, such as the intensification of military maneuvers, underwater espionage, and disruptions of strategic communications. The deployed ships and units are tasked with monitoring any suspicious activity while remaining prepared to respond to any immediate threats. Furthermore, the mission aims to strengthen cooperation between NATO countries and their regional partners.
The Baltic Sentry operation involves several NATO member countries, each contributing their capabilities and expertise to ensure optimal coverage of the region. Currently, the multinational fleet deployed includes command ships and minehunters from countries such as the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Belgium. The Zr. Ms Luymes, a Dutch command ship, along with the minehunters Zr. Ms Schiedam (Netherlands), FS Croix du Sud (France), and FGS Datteln (Germany), form part of the force patrolling the Baltic Sea.
Other ships, including the Belgian minehunter Lobelia, will soon join the mission, further enhancing Belgium's presence and NATO's involvement in this sensitive region. This strategic deployment underscores the importance of multinational cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in Europe.
The Baltic Sentry operation is part of a long-term defense strategy aimed at guaranteeing the security of NATO member countries and protecting critical infrastructures in a geopolitically sensitive region. Through the contribution of its Navy and armed forces, Belgium plays a decisive role in this collective security framework. Baltic Sentry illustrates NATO's ongoing commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Europe while addressing security challenges in the Baltic Sea.