The United Kingdom is deploying submarine-hunting aircraft as part of a new NATO initiative in the Baltic Sea. This move comes in light of recent incidents involving damage to several undersea cables, which have raised concerns about threats to critical underwater infrastructure.
In support of the newly launched NATO mission, named Baltic Sentry, the UK will send aircraft to patrol the skies above the Baltic Sea, actively monitoring potential threats to underwater assets. NATO’s decision to initiate this operation follows a suspected hybrid attack that occurred in late December, resulting in the damage of multiple underwater cables.
On Wednesday, the UK defense ministry confirmed its commitment to the Baltic Sentry operation, stating that it will contribute P-8 Poseidon and RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft for maritime patrol and surveillance purposes. The P-8 Poseidon is a versatile patrol aircraft manufactured by Boeing, capable of carrying torpedoes and anti-ship missiles while conducting maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine tasks. This advanced sub-hunting aircraft, which is based on the civilian 737 model, was initially developed for the US Navy and is now also utilized by NATO allies. The UK operates nine P-8s from Lossiemouth, a Royal Air Force base located in Scotland.
