Enhanced Maritime Surveillance in the Baltic Sea: A Collaborative Effort

Beginning in May 2022, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has deployed Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) over the East Baltic Sea. This initiative follows a coordinated appeal for improved maritime oversight from the Finnish Border Guard, the Estonian police and Border Guard Board, and the Latvian Coast Guard Service.

Advanced technology in Action

The operation utilizes IMSAR’s radar technology aboard the Textron Systems Aerosonde unmanned fixed-wing aircraft,operated by Nordic Unmanned. This aircraft boasts an impressive flight duration of up to 10 hours and can cover distances of 140 km within radio range, with extended reach possible through ground relay stations. It is outfitted with a gimbal featuring both optical and infrared sensors, and also an AIS receiver, enhancing its surveillance capabilities.

cross-Border Operations for Maritime Safety

This initiative allows for cross-border flights over the Gulf of Finland and the exclusive economic zones of Estonia and Latvia. While the overarching goal is to bolster situational awareness for various coast guard operations, the primary focus remains on maritime safety, environmental conservation, fisheries regulation, and search and rescue missions.

Collaborative Efforts Among Nations

Throughout this five-month operation, national authorities from finland, Estonia, and Latvia are collaborating closely, coordinating flight plans, monitoring operations, and analyzing data from the RPAS, regardless of the launch point. As the flights are set to continue into the summer months—when maritime activities typically surge—this operation is anticipated to provide crucial support to emergency services as they oversee and respond to incidents in coastal waters.

Building on Previous Successes

This current operation builds upon the services EMSA provided in 2021 to both Estonia and Finland, further enhancing regional cooperation by facilitating cross-border flights within the airspace of the three participating nations.