Finland. (March 7, 2025): In nature, the Puma is known for its stealth and keen eyesight. In the skies above the Baltic Sea, it is a pair of American eyes that never blink. In this photo by Lance Corporal Brian Bolin Jr., Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kepono Gowan launches an RQ-20 Puma unmanned aircraft system during Operation Baltic Sentry 25. This NATO-led operation is in response to the sabotage of vital underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

The alliance is responding to attacks against energy and data cables between Finland and Estonia that occurred at the end of December 2024. These cables are essential because they transmit both electricity and more than 95% of internet traffic between these Nordic countries. They also carry an estimated 10 trillion-dollars’ worth of financial transactions every day.

The plan is to increase surveillance, with tools like the Puma, to boost maritime awareness in the Baltic Sea. Produced by AeroVironment, this battery powered drone can remain aloft for over three hours collecting live intelligence using electro-optical and infrared cameras. This includes a times-fifty optical zoom that sends live-stream video back to its ground station.

Easily assembled and hand-launched, the RQ-20 has a powerful engine and a precise navigation system with a range of over ten miles. Completely water-tight, the Puma can land on water and withstand up to an inch of rain per hour while in flight. NATO envisions creating a fleet of small naval drones to patrol around the clock to discourage further sabotage. The summit was co-hosted by Finland and Estonia, and attended by the leaders of Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden.