NATO is launching a new mission to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region after a string of incidents that have heightened concerns about possible Russian activities, the alliance’s leader said.

NATO countries will deploy frigates, patrol aircraft and naval drones in the Baltic Sea to help protect critical infrastructure and reserve the right to take action against ships suspected of posing a security threat,

NATO is launching a new mission to enhance the defense of member states’ critical infrastructure in the Baltic region, Secretary General Mark Rutte announced at the alliance’s Baltic Sea Allies Summit on Tuesday.