Estonia deploys naval ship to protect undersea cable Estlink 1

Estonia launched a naval operation to protect the Estlink 1 undersea cable with patrol ships to secure energy connections between Estonia and Finland. The Estonian navy is deploying the vessel Raju to the Estlink 1 cable site.

The country’s minister of defence Hanno Pevkur emphasized that the state must respond decisively to incidents such as the sabotage of Estlink 2 and send a clear signal that attacks on critical infrastructure will be met with a response.

“Of course, the investigation must determine all the details regarding the damage to the Estlink 2 cable and communication cables, but our task is to immediately send a clear message that we are ready to defend the connections between Estonia and Finland, even with military means,” said Pevkur.

Pevkur added that in the aftermath of the Estlink 2 damage, it is crucial to maintain the energy connection between Estonia and Finland and ensure the protection of critical infrastructure.

“Therefore, I am grateful that both the Commander of the Defence Forces and the Navy understand the need to ensure the protection of the undersea cable and are ready to promptly commence the operation in the Gulf of Finland,” noted the minister of defence.

Commander of the defence forces major general Andrus Merilo noted that the “defence forces are also prepared to counter non-military attacks on our energy infrastructure at sea and to organize military cooperation to ensure maritime security.”

The navy is ready for such tasks, he said.

“We are also in contact with our Finnish colleagues and the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe to discuss the involvement of Allies in protecting our critical infrastructure. Our message is clear – we will defend ourselves and our connections,” Merilo added.

According to the deputy commander of the navy, captain Johan-Elias Seljamaa, the navy is ready for the operation. “We dispatched a team early this morning and are starting patrol activities near Estlink 1. In addition, we are in active contact with the Finnish Navy and Coast Guard and are operating in coordination,” said Seljamaa.