According to a statement published by the British Parliament on January 28, 2025, the UK has committed P-8 Poseidon and Rivet Joint aircraft to NATO’s Baltic Sentry operation. The British Defence Secretary confirmed that these advanced surveillance platforms have already been actively contributing to the mission, reinforcing efforts to protect critical undersea infrastructure and monitor threats in the Baltic Sea. This deployment follows the recent attack on naval infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities in the region.
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The British RAF Royal Air Force P-8 Poseidon is a maritime patrol aircraft designed for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and protecting critical infrastructure. (Picture source: UK MoD)

On January 28, 2025, a statement from the British Parliament revealed that the UK’s Nordic Warden operation was activated in response to the Estlink 2 cable damage, a significant incident involving an attack on the region’s undersea communication and energy infrastructure. The attack, which targeted one of the key subsea cables connecting the Baltic states with the wider European network, has raised alarms over the vulnerability of critical maritime infrastructure in the area, with some experts attributing it to hostile state actors.

The new Baltic Sentry NATO deployment aims to provide a comprehensive surveillance framework to monitor and protect not only subsea cables and pipelines but also key naval assets operating in the region. The deployment of the P-8 Poseidon and RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft underscores the urgency of this mission.

The P-8 Poseidon, a maritime patrol aircraft with advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, is well-equipped to monitor vast stretches of the Baltic Sea. Its sophisticated radar, sonar, and surveillance systems will help track any hostile underwater movements, including potential threats to undersea infrastructure. The Poseidon’s long-range endurance and real-time data-sharing capabilities make it an indispensable asset in providing timely intelligence to NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) allies.

Complementing the Poseidon, the Rivet Joint will provide signals intelligence (SIGINT), monitoring communications and electronic emissions from adversary naval and air forces in the region. Its sensors can detect hostile activity from the Russian shadow fleet or any other potential threats, adding another layer of defense to NATO’s operational response.

The attack on Baltic infrastructure highlights the increasing risks posed by asymmetric and hybrid warfare tactics, such as cyberattacks and sabotage, which target vulnerable communication and energy networks. The UK’s deployment of these sophisticated surveillance platforms is a direct response to these evolving threats, ensuring that NATO has the intelligence and situational awareness needed to protect critical infrastructure and respond swiftly to any further acts of aggression.

As tensions rise, the need for such multidomain operations—incorporating air, maritime, and cyber capabilities—has never been more pressing. With these advanced surveillance aircraft now on station, NATO forces will be better positioned to safeguard the Baltic region’s vital infrastructure, ensuring the security of the European energy grid, communication lines, and broader defense networks.

This proactive stance by the UK not only demonstrates its commitment to NATO’s collective defense but also highlights the importance of real-time surveillance and intelligence-sharing in the face of evolving security threats in the Baltic Sea.