All articles tagged with #baltic region
Researchers analyzing a 2,000-year-old wooden boat in Scandinavia discovered a fingerprint in the tar used to seal it, providing new insights into the origins of the boat and its raiders, with evidence suggesting a Baltic Sea region origin rather than Hamburg, and plans to further study the wood's tree rings and DNA to learn more about the ancient people.
Canada is considering establishing permanent military bases in Latvia to sustain its NATO deployment and enhance deterrence against Russian aggression, with discussions ongoing about the feasibility and implications of such a move, which would be a significant shift from the current rotational presence.
Romania's president launches a bid for the top job at NATO, challenging Mark Rutte, while Sweden's prime minister emphasizes the need for Europe to discuss China and defense spending to maintain US support for Ukraine. Additionally, France finds Baltic allies in its disagreement with Germany over troop deployment in Ukraine, and Sweden officially becomes a full NATO member, with its flag set to fly at NATO headquarters.
Sweden's Air Force conducted its first surveillance flights near Russia's border since joining NATO, using a Gulfstream S102B Korpen for signal intelligence and a Saab 340 for radar reconnaissance. The flights aimed to gather intelligence on Russian military activity in the region, with the planes part of the special aviation intelligence unit based at Malmen Air Base. Sweden's NATO membership provides the alliance with new ways to deter Russian aggression, extending missile range and enabling real-time response to threats. Meanwhile, Russia has reportedly increased its military presence in the Baltic region in response to NATO's expansion.
Finland has become the 31st member of NATO, doubling Russia's land borders with the alliance. The move will create a "retaining wall" around Russia, starting in northern Europe with Finland and reaching eastward. However, Finland will not host NATO troops for the time being. Russia has threatened to rebalance its security system following Finland's accession, but Finland has joined NATO to balance Russia's aggressive behavior and bring stability to northern Europe.