The Baltic has always been strategically important. Recently, however, its importance has begun to grow rapidly. It has turned into an inflammatory area – it notices defects. Krzysztof Jaworski, Commander of the Centre for Marine Operations – Marine Component Command in Gdynia. How will the recently appointed NATO Force Command – CTF-Baltic contribute to safety on this watershed?
The Polish Navy will command NATO forces in the Baltic. How long have you been waiting for this moment?
Wadm. Krzysztof Jaworski: In a sense, yes, although of course the thought of setting up the CTF-Baltic (Command Task Force Baltic) was born and mature beyond the structures I command. The case has taken place at a much higher level. After Russia's full-scale aggression to Ukraine, Alliance specialists developed alleged regional plans. The papers designate regions of work for individual troops and specify what action should be taken in the event of a threat. This is followed by the formation of fresh command. 1 of them is the CTF-Baltic.
On the another hand, the Marine Operations Centre – Marine Component Command (COM–DKM) has been preparing for a good fewer years.
It's true. In 2021, we led the exercises "Solidarna Belona", in which alongside Polish ships participated units of the NATO Mine Countermeasures Group. A year later, our specialists commanded “Rekin” maneuvers involving ships from Poland and the Baltic States. Finally, last year we had the chance to test ourselves in the Steadfast Jupiter exercises organized by the Allied NATO Force Command in Brunssum. There's quite a few force being put under our command. Without much risk, I can say that we are almost prepared to take command of CTF-Baltic. Almost, due to the fact that we inactive have certification under the supervision of experts from MARCOM, i.e. the Natovian command of the naval forces. It's a superior structure to us. Until now, she has been liable for the Baltic activities. CTF-Baltic took over part of her competence. The aim is to be closer to the region of action.
Well, let's halt at CTF-Baltic for a while. How will it work?
Actually, the future time should be replaced with the present time, due to the fact that CTF-Baltic has just been activated. It was headed by Germans who formed so-called. DEUMARFOR. They will service for 4 years. Then command will pass into our hands – besides for 4 years. In Gdynia, too, POLMARFOR, formed on the basis of COM-DKM, will begin its operations. What's next? We don't know yet. The command may be directed by the Swedes, but this has not yet been settled. Of course, CTF-Baltic, regardless of who is in charge of it, operates in an global composition. Currently, not only experts from the Baltic Sea basin countries are serving in Rostock, but besides British or Dutch. Our Navy besides has a very strong representation in command. First of all, we cast the position of deputy commander. Cadmium took this function. Piotr Nieć, an highly experienced officer who graduated from, among others, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, and in his career led a rocket frigate, a squadron of ships and a flotilla. He was late a specialist at the George Marshall European safety Studies Centre in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Next to him in Rostock we have six officers and 2 officers, even in cells related to planning and reconnaissance. The allies will, of course, be present in CTF-Baltic besides erstwhile Poland takes command of it.
What tasks does command gotta fulfill?
During peacetime, he is primarily active in building maritime situational awareness in the Baltic. In another words, the collection and analysis of widely understood data on the movement of ships, ships, aircraft and threats. This kind of information is collected by all Baltic states, but gathering them at the level of 1 command can be of added value. We'll see and know more, and if necessary, we'll respond more rapidly as an Alliance. The CTF-Baltic does not have its own ships and aircraft, but in consultation with the associate States it can exercise or organize patrols in the most delicate areas. Additionally, the command specialists are to plan actions in the event of a crisis or war. Of course, as I mentioned, NATO has regional plans, but the situation in the region is evolving, so we request to take care of the details and show the essential flexibility. And if there is simply a crisis in our region or a war breaks out, CTF-Baltic will take command of individual forces. It's all in the regional plans, so I can't tell you the details. The papers were classified.
The formation of command specifically for the Baltic is another sign that the importance of this water inactive increases...
No doubt. The Baltic has always been strategically important. For the countries above it, it was 1 of the main routes of import and export of goods. Recently, however, its importance has begun to grow rapidly. The impulse became outbreak of a full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine. The Baltic has evolved into an inflammatory area, an area of penetration of both political and military and economical influence. The second aspect is peculiarly crucial here. For Poland, for example, the sea is fundamental in the process of independency from Russian natural materials. Hence the fast expansion of critical infrastructure. Just replace the Baltic tube pipeline, which we bring gas from Norway, the enlarged gas port in Świnoujście or the floating LNG terminal in the Gulf of Gdańsk. He is to be ready by 2028. Thanks to these investments we will be able to safe Poland's full gas demand. In addition, wind farms, which will shortly be close our coast, drilling platforms, offshore communication cables or a port in Gdańsk, i.e. the largest container hub in the Baltic Sea. Only in 2023 it accepted more than 600 ships. What's the scale? Imagine a single container ship. It's 400 m long and 60 wide, and it takes 23,000 containers on board. If you just fill them with shoes, all Pole would have 10 pairs... Of course, the Baltic is not only crucial for Poland. At any time selected, it has an average of 2,000 different types of vessels. It accounts for 15% of global maritime trade. tiny even disruptions on shipping routes can so consequence in tremendous losses, and repercussions can go far beyond the region of Central and east Europe.
What kind of threats do we request to be prepared for?
There is simply a full set of them – from the collision of individuals through environmental disasters to hybrid actions, to which the opponent can reach. In fresh times, we have seen respective unprecedented incidents in the Baltic.. specified was, for example, the demolition of Nord Stream pipelines or harm to the Balticconnector pipeline and the telecommunications cable between Estonia and Finland. All these events we observe and analyse carefully to prevent another. As COM-DKM, for example, we run the Gulf operation. Ships separated from both fleets regularly patrol the aquenas indicated by us, monitoring the movement of ships and critical infrastructure. We are cooperating with the Polish border guard, NATO ships, which operate in much more numbers in the Baltic than only a fewer years ago, and we are besides in 24-hour contact with the maritime operating centres of allies. We besides have a list of units we are looking at with peculiar attention. For example, any Russian investigation ships. In our opinion, they can be utilized for intelligence, and possibly besides for hybrid warfare. It is this possible action below the threshold of war that is the biggest challenge for us today.
And how do Russian Navy ships behave in the Baltic?
It is fair to admit that their crews do not cross certain boundaries. They usually observe our actions, but effort not to increase tension. I think the air force is more comfortable. From time to time, even in public space, we hear about pilots flying close NATO aircraft or ships. Sometimes they show weapons. Generally, however, there is no escalation.
Maybe the Russians are just afraid of it. Finally, after Finland and Sweden entered the Alliance, the Baltic became after a small interior Alliance lake.
I don't like that term, due to the fact that to me it has pejorative connotations. It suggests that the Baltic is simply a tiny reservoir, which is not true. From north to south it extends to 1,300 km, from west to east to 600 km. But aside from this aspect – in the Baltic, NATO has, of course, a decisive advantage over Russia, both due to military possible and the location after circumstantial countries. But don't forget, Russia won't disappear. Between the ports in the Gulf of Finland and the royal circuit there is an intense movement all the time. The seaway passes most of the supplies for this Russian exclave, due to the fact that there are no better solutions. The Russians will keep a close eye on these trails. And they can initiate many another activities that are dangerous to the Alliance. That's why it's so crucial to have an efficient naval force...
Meanwhile, in Poland, the Navy has been in crisis for years.
But it comes out of it step by step. We're upgrading the mine force, building fresh reconnaissance ships, and in a fewer years' time, they'll come in. Swordfish frigates – specified large and well equipped units we have never had before. Of course there are more needs – even submarines. I hope that specified individuals will be able to get in the close future. due to the fact that to implement an effective deterrence policy, you request to have balanced, decently balanced resources – marine aviation, coastal rocket squadrons, ships...
Could taking command of the Baltic be a developmental impulse for our navy?
I hope so. But I would like to emphasise powerfully that this is not a credit nomination for our naval forces. We take our place. Poland is simply a large country, 1 of the largest in the region, and we have very experienced sailors and rather large forces at sea, with which we can carry out all our tasks. The formation of CTF-Baltic is an entry into a new, crucial phase – for us, but besides for NATO. The Baltic Command will make him safer.
