Naval forces confront dilemma of conflicting interests in maritime domain (Meelis Oidsalu)
In 2025, the Baltic Sea is rapidly becoming a testing ground for surface vessels (USVs), with Poland and Germany leading the charge. This year, there has been a significant change in the way drones are viewed by Baltic countries, marking a new era for maritime defence in the region.
Poland and Germany are among the Baltic countries investing in the development and deployment of USVs. Their extensive programs aim at the deployment of unmanned combat and surveillance surface vessels, revolutionising naval warfare and surveillance.
However, not all Baltic countries are on board with this new technology. The Estonian Navy, for one, is criticising surface drones as a tactic to gain support for new naval vessels. The Estonian Navy is using criticism of surface drones to push for new naval vessels, setting them apart from their neighbouring countries.
Despite the Estonian Navy's reservations, the development of maritime drones and smart sea defence is not solely the responsibility of the Navy. In fact, the responsibility for developing these technologies lies beyond the Navy, with various defence and technological agencies working together in Denmark, Poland, and Germany.
In Denmark, surface drones officially entered naval use this summer, making it the first Baltic country to do so. Meanwhile, in Poland and Germany, the deployment of USVs is a significant trend, with both countries actively pursuing programs for the deployment of unmanned combat and surveillance surface vessels.
Interestingly, the Baltic countries, excluding Estonia, are actively involved in the development and deployment of USVs. Denmark, in particular, has officially incorporated surface drones into their naval use.
The shift in the view of surface drones among the Baltic countries this year is noteworthy. The Estonian Navy's attempt to sway public opinion against surface drones has not deterred the other countries from embracing this new technology. Instead, it has sparked a debate about the future of naval warfare and defence in the region.
The deployment of USVs in the Baltic Sea is set to reshape the naval landscape, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and technologically advanced. As more countries join the trend, the Baltic Sea will undoubtedly become a hotspot for the testing and deployment of USVs, ushering in a new era of maritime defence.
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