NATO mine countermeasures experts successfully neutralised 16 historical sea mines in Estonian territorial waters during a joint operation between Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) and the Estonian Navy.
The operation, part of scheduled historical ordnance disposal operations (HODOPS), took place from 9 to 18 November. The multinational task group, consisting of five minehunters and two minesweepers, covered an area exceeding 22 square nautical miles and classified 228 objects as mine-like. 16 of these were confirmed as historical mines and were subsequently neutralised. The operation was part of the scheduled historical ordnance disposal operations (HODOPS), which aimed to increase SNMCMG1’s combat readiness in Estonian waters, which are one of the most mined areas in the world.
The operation also increased interoperability and strengthened NATO’s bond with Estonian Allies. Following the Estonian HODOPS, SNMCMG1 visited Turku, Finland, for rest and resupply before participating in the multinational naval exercise Freezing Winds 23, aiming to enhance military capabilities and strengthen partnerships between Allies.
Remnants of World War II mines that continue to pose a persistent threat to maritime safety and economic activities in the Baltic Sea. During World War II, the Baltic Sea witnessed intense naval activity, with numerous naval operations and engagements. Both Axis and Allied forces extensively used naval mines to disrupt enemy shipping and secure strategic waterways. The lurking danger of World War II mines lies in their unpredictability.
Many of these mines were laid with timers or pressure-sensitive mechanisms, making them highly volatile even after decades underwater. The corrosion of these devices is unpredictable, and a simple disturbance, such as a passing ship or fishing activity, can trigger a long-forgotten mine, leading to devastating consequences. The potential for explosions not only endangers the lives of those aboard but also poses environmental risks, as oil spills and debris from sunken vessels can result in ecological disasters.
Modern technology, including sonar systems and remotely operated vehicles, is employed in mine detection efforts, but the sheer scale of the Baltic Sea and the vast number of potential mine locations complicate these endeavors. Some of the knowledge made available from the operations in the Baltic Sea will surely be shared with the countries that are preparing to start similar operations in the Black Sea, hoping to clear as many mines as possible following the Russo-Ukrainian War.
