The assignment was part of a new program aimed at suspected Russian sabotage. None has occurred since NATO began patrols.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NATO allies they must make hard choices and increase defense spending to 5% to bolster capabilities in face of emboldened adversaries.

Experts said damage to undersea pipes and cables could disrupt energy supply and communications systems. One senior MP warned that any such damage could pose “a serious threat” to U.K. security.

France or Britain should take the lead in engaging with Russia about Ukraine as part of European efforts to support Kyiv, Finland's president Alexander Stubb said on Thursday.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administration’s new envoy to NATO are seeking to reassure wary NATO members of the U.S. commitment to the alliance

Sweden sent its Gripen jets to a NATO air defense mission in Poland, shifting from conducting missions only over its own territory.

NATO air policing covers a handful of regions, including the Baltic states and the eastern flank of Europe more generally. Portuguese F-16 fighter jets arrived in Estonia late last month to take over from a detachment of Dutch F-35s, while Italian jets have taken up air policing in Romania from Spain's air force.

Baltic Sentry mission taps ships, planes and drones to police one of the world’s busiest waterways.