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NORTHWOOD, United Kingdom – NATO's Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) continues to work with Allies and Partners to monitor Russian naval activity closely. This constant vigilance is in line with NATO's 360 approach to deterrence and defence.

In response to Russia's war in Ukraine, NATO has taken decisive action, significantly bolstering maritime patrols and surveillance flights. This proactive surveillance extends to areas near critical maritime infrastructures, which are particularly vulnerable to hybrid threats. From the High North and the Atlantic to the Eastern Mediterranean, NATO Standing Maritime Groups and Allied naval forces maintain a constant watch on the deployments and manoeuvres of Russian surface, subsurface and air assets.

Our deployments and vigilance activities often bring us close to Russian units. We have occasionally observed some manoeuvres that could be deemed unprofessional, mainly from air assets, such as overflights of NATO units at close range.

"Monitoring and understanding the pattern of life at sea is a continuous effort." said German Navy Rear Admiral Stefan Pauly, Commander Surface Forces NATO. "Our deployments and vigilance activities often bring us close to Russian units. We have occasionally observed some manoeuvres that could be deemed unprofessional, mainly from air assets, such as overflights of NATO units at close range. This is not a common occurrence, and it tends to increase in areas and periods of high activity, such as during BALTOPS. However, it's important to note that NATO units, sailors, and aviators are always on high alert, ready to respond assertively yet responsibly."

Spanning from the High North and the Atlantic, through the Baltics, and down to the Mediterranean, NATO has intensified maritime patrols and surveillance flights as a direct response to Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Photo credits to NATO's SNMG2 and PRT MPA Detachment.

With the ability to draw on the assets of 32 member states, NATO uses a combination of advanced technologies and networks within the Allied nations to maintain situational awareness at all times. Satellite systems are key enablers to monitor global maritime traffic, while reconnaissance aircraft and drones equipped with sensors and cameras conduct aerial surveillance missions for more accurate identification. Regular submarine patrols covertly contribute to the maritime picture across the entire Euro-Atlantic area, ensuring readiness for rapid response. Thus, from space to seabed, NATO uses the full range of information collection capabilities to provide a robust maritime awareness.

Member states share intelligence and information related to Russian naval activities. There is close coordination between MARCOM and Allied nations' Maritime Operations Centres (MOC), whose staffs work around the clock to monitor the maritime environment. MARCOM's MOC fuses and disseminates the NATO Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP), throughout NATO's maritime area of interest whilst monitoring global maritime military and non-military activities of interest. This collaboration enhances NATO's overall monitoring capabilities and enables a comprehensive understanding of the maritime environment.

By coordinating NATO and allied forces maritime deployments, and leveraging intelligence sharing between by the use of advanced technologies and strategic initiatives, MARCOM remains vigilant in monitoring Russian ships to uphold maritime security and prevent destabilising actions across the Euro-Atlantic area.