We are actively active in Operation Baltic Sentry. We are commanding the Natian teams and coordinating the operations of the ships separated to it by individual states. We monitor the situation in the Baltic, focusing on possible threats to critical infrastructure – explains cadmium. Piotr Nieć, Deputy Commander of CTF Baltic – the fresh Natovian command in the Baltic.
Have you set up in Rostock yet?
Definitely. CTF Baltic is moving at full speed. Like the Polish squad that was seconded to him. We are presently actively participating in the Natovian Operation "Baltic Sentry".
In a word, you went deep...
Looks like it. We jumped, but we didn't drown. It should not have been assumed otherwise. We have a squad of very experienced professionals here.
But did the fresh escalation of tension in the Baltic in any way translate into the operation of the command – its task, cast?
No, due to the fact that CTF Baltic has already been foreseen for the full task spectrum. To counter hybrid threats too. Command is formed gradually, as planned, in a thoughtful manner. The most crucial decision was made last year. NATO summit in Washington and was linked to the fresh regional plans developed somewhat earlier. They assumed reinforcement of military presence on the east flank. The Alliance leaders rapidly concluded that the improvement of the command structures must follow. The consequence was the creation of fresh command. In the maritime domain was created, among others, CTF Baltic. In short, it is simply a tactical command, whose mission is to support MARCOM, the main NATO naval command based in Northwood.
What are your actions during Operation Baltic Sentry?
Monitor situation in the Baltic, focusing on possible threats to critical infrastructure. We coordinate the operations of all ships separated for operations by individual states. We besides advise the Nattian teams, as long as they cross the Baltic Straits. So we have ships of different classes at our disposal – frigates, destroyers min... At the same time, we stay in constant contact with countries that carry out their own activities in the Baltic Sea, specified as patrols or larger operations not straight related to the Baltic Sentry. A good example here is our jacket. For 2 years it has been moving Operation Bay. It is not an component of the "Baltic Sentry", but the objectives of both projects stay convergent. And the point is to coordinate them on a certain level. To gain full awareness of the situation in the Baltic. Of course, we besides get information about threats by another means...
Like what? As I realize it, the data from the satellite, the aerial...
I don't want to go into details. However, I can assure you that we are able to identify very rapidly the units that may pose a threat to underwater pipelines, cables, wind farms, and follow them. And in case of harm to the infrastructure, track down possible perpetrators and transfer data to the countries in which jurisdiction it is located. So that they can carry out legal action...
Meanwhile, experts say In the Baltic we are already faced with a regular hybrid war. Since the beginning of December, civilian ships with obscure connections have damaged at least respective telecommunications cables. Previously, the Balticconnector pipeline had been broken in a akin way. Why is it so hard to fight this kind of threat?
For at least a fewer reasons. Unlike our opponents, we act under the law. This was designed in specified a way that users of the sea in open waters and in exclusive economical zones enjoy large freedom of navigation. The ship can only be stopped and inspected in exceptional situations. The NATO countries are evidently not going to break this rule. It must be borne in head that the rules themselves should be applied overall. NATO leaders are increasingly inclined to interpret that the threat posed to critical infrastructure is besides a blow to this freedom. It may become a reason for stopping and checking the ship.
Fighting akin threats requires constant demonstration of presence. Ships must be visible on delicate waters, due to the fact that their presence alone may deter the perpetrators. There is besides the strengthening of another means of diagnosis, the improvement of modern technologies... We're talking about an extended spectrum of factors. Fortunately, NATO has the chance to defend key infrastructure. With the activation of the Baltic Sentry operation, all 32 associate States were involved. That's the rules of the Alliance. In another words, by guarding safety in the Baltic, we can benefit from the possible of any ally, including the US. That's a lot.
And what lesson is there for Poland?
There are at least a few. Firstly, it is simply a signal to our citizens that NATO, if necessary, can respond rapidly and efficiently. The incidental in the Baltic took place just before the last Christmas, while a gathering of Baltic leaders was held 3 weeks later in Helsinki, after which the Alliance activated Operation Baltic Sentry. erstwhile again, we have seen that NATO is simply a safety warrant for each associate State and there are no exceptions here. This, of course, is not the end. fresh events have made our public peculiarly curious in the Baltic and its importance for the Polish economy. And this is highly important. Most of the gas flows to Poland, we have the largest cargo port in the region, we are about to start building large wind farms. To defend all these installations and our shipping routes moving through our waters, we request a strong and modern navy. Marine Rocket Unit, although its importance is hard to overestimate, is not enough. After all, you can't send a rocket towards a ship preparing for sabotage, due to the fact that that would mean the beginning of war. The actions desired on his crew should be forced by another means. And that takes ships. We request units capable of carrying out patrol tasks, monitoring underwater installations, projecting force... And it's a good thing there's something going on.
Meanwhile, I'm going back to CTF Baltic. How crucial is that we have our people there?
In my opinion – very important. For now, Germany is leading the leadership, but all countries of the Baltic Sea basin, as well as respective countries outside our region, are active in its activities. Poland plays a crucial function among them. We sent 9 sailors to CTF. We have specialists in practically all cells liable for operating. It's just an introduction. After the Germans, it is us who will be in charge of CTF Baltic, and the office of command will decision from Rostock to Gdynia. 4 years from now. Our presence in the Baltic region will become more noticeable. We will confirm our aspirations to become a key player in the region, including the maritime domain. We have possible for that, but we just request to make it properly. This is crucial not only in the context of national safety but besides regional security.
