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Naval forces confronting a clash of loyalties in maritime domains

By 2025, the Baltic Sea is witnessing an accelerated phase of testing for Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). In Danish waters, these naval drones have officially been put to use this summer. Meanwhile, Poland and Germany have embarked on expansive projects aimed at deploying combat and...

Naval forces confront dilemma over marine interests
Naval forces confront dilemma over marine interests

In the Baltic Sea, 2025 is shaping up to be a significant year as the region becomes a testing ground for unmanned surface vessels (USVs). This year, the Baltic Sea countries have undergone a transformative change in their perspective on surface drones.

The traditional monopoly of the navy in the development of maritime technology in the Baltic Sea region is being challenged. The Baltic Sea countries, excluding Estonia, are actively pursuing the use of surface drones in their naval strategies, contributing to the advancement of maritime technology in the region.

However, the Estonian Navy's approach to surface drones has sparked debate about the division of responsibilities in maritime technology development. Some argue that the navy's neglect in this area has led to the emergence of specialized research or defense industry entities in Estonia, though no specific organization or institute has been explicitly named.

On the other hand, the Estonian Navy is attempting to discredit surface drones, using negative propaganda to gain public support for new naval vessels. Meelis Oidsalu, an editor, has written that Estonia does not find surface drones suitable.

This change in the Baltic Sea countries' viewpoint regarding surface drone technology is not confined to Estonia. Poland and Germany have launched extensive programs to deploy unmanned combat and surveillance vessels at sea. This summer, surface drones officially entered naval use in Denmark.

The responsibility for the development of advanced maritime technology, including drones and sea defense, is being questioned. The debate about the division of responsibilities in maritime technology development in the Baltic Sea region continues, with growing concerns about the monopoly of the navy in this sphere.

Despite the ongoing debate, it is clear that the Baltic Sea countries are reconsidering their stance on the role of surface drones in their naval strategies. The development of maritime drones and smart sea defense should not be solely the responsibility of the navy, and the responsibility for these advancements is being shared among multiple countries.

This shift in perspective is a significant step towards a more collaborative and innovative approach to maritime technology in the Baltic Sea region. The future of the region's maritime defense seems to be moving towards a more decentralized and inclusive model, with surface drones playing a crucial role in this transformation.

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