NATO General: Baltic security has significantly improved

NATO Deputy Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, Lieutenant General Johnnie Meehan, stated that the military security of the Baltic states has significantly improved. This progress is attributed to the implementation of the Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area (DDA) strategy and clear regional action plans that are integrated with national-level planning.

Meehan highlighted specific operations as evidence of successful adaptation to new threats. The ‘Baltic Sentry’ operation in the Baltic Sea has reportedly prevented further incidents of underwater cable cutting. Additionally, the ‘Eastern Sentry’ operation has been launched to protect the airspace of the alliance's eastern flank.

While Meehan noted that a direct attack on the alliance remains highly unlikely, he emphasized the need for continuous integration and training to address capability gaps. He also addressed hybrid threats, noting that such actions often aim to deter NATO members from supporting Ukraine, though these challenges frequently result in increased unity among alliance members.