U.S. Marines to Help in NATO's Surveillance of Baltic Sea

A U.S. Marine Corps unit will join NATO’s Baltic Sentry mission to support maritime surveillance in the Baltic Sea, focusing on the Gulf of Finland in cooperation with the Finnish Navy.

Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen announced that a platoon-sized U.S. Marine Corps unit will help monitor vessel movements and critical undersea infrastructure in the Gulf of Finland. The unit will work alongside the Finnish Navy to enhance the recognised maritime picture.

“Having the U.S. Marine Corps unit in Finland and as part of NATO’s Baltic Sentry will strengthen the security of Finland and the Baltic Sea region. This cooperation is a continuation of our active international exercises with our Allies,” Häkkänen said.

The participation requires a separate formal decision. Last year, Finland conducted around 100 exercises both domestically and internationally.

The Baltic Sentry mission is a NATO-led surveillance initiative aimed at improving maritime awareness and protecting key infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.