Protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic

Polish Navy The Republic of Poland is conducting an uninterrupted "Bare" cover operation aimed at protecting critical infrastructure in the Baltic. The activities are carried out in close cooperation with other marine formations, as well as with civil installation operators. At the same time, NATO is developing its own capabilities in this area, treating the security of offshore connections and energy systems as a strategic priority in the region.

In the article

In reference to the published by us material concerning operations "The Bay" and exercises "Baltic Guardian-25", we publish additional information provided by the Centre for Maritime Operations – Marine Component Command for our editorial board. They complement the themes outlined in the first part and allow for a better understanding of the assumptions and mechanisms for responding to critical infrastructure emergencies in the Baltic.

Operation endlessly. "The Bay" has continued continuously since 2022

According to our editorial team COM-DKM, Operation Bay is a continuous operation – it has continued continuously since 2022 and is not temporary. It is part of a wider maritime critical infrastructure security system, covering both the forces of the Polish Navy and other formations – such as Navy Air Force (BLMW) and the Marine Border Guard Division (MOSG).

No change in the status of the operation is expected in the near future. Its continuation remains one of the pillars of responding to the custom behaviour of civil units near the offshore infrastructure and in the areas of work related to the construction of offshore wind farms.

Monitoring instead of intervention – multilevel response

Despite the lack of direct attacks on Polish critical infrastructure, observation activities are carried out continuously. All situations likely to pose a potential threat are monitored, and each unit approaching drilling platforms, pipelines or offshore cables is subject to detailed analysis.

Importantly – Polish Navy The RP does not work in vacuum. It is the last link in the response structure. First their operators are responsible for the safety of the facilities. If the situation exceeds their competence, the Border Guard intervenes. It is only at a time when it is necessary to use military resources that Navy forces are involved.

Surveillance technology. Actions in three domains

Under Operation Bay Polish Navy The Polish Republic uses available technologies to operate both on the surface, in the air and underwater. This makes it possible, among others, to detect objects threatening offshore infrastructure or to track unusual behaviours of vessels.

Exercise experience – changes in procedures

With regard to the Baltic Guard-25 exercise, COM-DKM points out that detailed operational proposals remain confidential for safety reasons. This type of analysis are essential for assessing the effectiveness of procedures and could be used by potential opponents.

However, it was stressed that such materials are a systematic assessment both within military structures and in cooperation with civil entities. On the basis of these, the existing procedures and response mechanisms are kept up-to-date.

NATO boosts engagement in the Baltic

The protection of maritime critical infrastructure – according to COM-DKM – will gain importance. This is a topic that is already on the agenda of national and international exercises. It can therefore be expected that further editions of the Baltic Guard will be developed with the involvement of NATO allies, which will become a natural direction for the development of these activities in the future.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz/COM-DKM