Finnish authorities conducted a live drill in the Baltic Sea on Thursday, boarding and searching a vessel to address the increasing threat of undersea sabotage. This exercise follows a series of incidents involving damage to critical infrastructure, such as power cables and gas pipelines, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Officials are concerned about the vulnerability of these essential systems.
During the drill, masked officers from the coast guard, police, and armed forces fast-roped onto the ship, securing the crew and conducting a thorough search. Coast Guard Commander Ilja Iljin emphasized that the exercise reflects Finland’s recognition of “the new normal” regarding security threats in the region. He noted that recent years have seen multiple incidents involving damage to underwater infrastructure, necessitating preparedness for future events.
In response to previous incidents, Finland has improved its operational readiness. While earlier cases allowed suspect vessels to escape, recent responses have been swift, with police capable of mobilizing within an hour. Officials are also preparing for potential sabotage tactics, including divers and unmanned vehicles. The government is seeking new powers for the Border Guard to inspect suspicious vessels and intervene against underwater threats.
