NATO secures Baltic Sea during Open Spirit 2025: mines, robots and energy infrastructure

Naval forces have launched the international mine countermeasures operation Open Spirit 2025 in the Baltic Sea. The mission is taking place in Lithuania’s territorial waters and its Exclusive Economic Zone.

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13 may 2025 | 10:16 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. fot. Laiv? no Tomo Donausko nuotr.

This year's edition gathers 12 naval vessels, 19 EOD diver teams, and underwater robotics units from 13 NATO member states. The joint operation focuses on detecting and neutralizing historical naval mines, a legacy of past conflicts still posing a threat to navigation and infrastructure.

Beyond mine clearance, Open Spirit 2025 emphasizes the security of existing underwater infrastructure against potential threats and destabilizing activities in the Baltic Sea. A key part of the operation also includes seabed surveys in areas designated for future offshore wind farms—supporting regional energy transition and maritime safety.

Open Spirit remains a critical demonstration of NATO’s commitment to collective maritime security, interoperability, and the protection of vital underwater assets in the increasingly strategic Baltic region.

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