Military activities increase in Baltic Sea as French surveillance operations expand from Sweden

The situation in the Baltic Sea has become increasingly tense with a heightened presence of military activities from both Russia and NATO member countries, leading to a growing demand for maritime surveillance. French surveillance aircraft have been operating regularly over the region, using Sweden as their base.

These operations, conducted using the Atlantic 2 aircraft, are designed to provide NATO with maritime monitoring while enhancing France’s understanding of the area. The mission commander, who has chosen to remain anonymous for security reasons, stated that their flights are part of NATO’s monthly surveillance operation over the Baltic Sea.

The Atlantic 2, which has been in service since the Cold War, features updated technology enabling it to detect distant objects, including small items like submarine masts. The commander expressed that France anticipates maintaining a stronger presence in the Baltic Sea to keep an eye on Russia’s Baltic fleet and potentially counter hybrid threats against critical infrastructure.

During recent exercises, the crew was prepared to encounter Russian air forces in international waters, highlighting the nature of their missions that often include interactions with Russian military capabilities. The Atlantic 2 has been utilized not only for detecting hostile submarines and warships but also for anti-piracy efforts.

With a crew of 14 and an arsenal that includes missiles and torpedoes, the Atlantic 2 is currently engaged in monthly reconnaissance missions in the region, focusing on maritime security and defense as geopolitical dynamics shift in the area.