NATO navies hold annual Northern Coasts collective defence exercise off the coast of Estonia and Latvia

NATO has launched its annual Northern Shores exercise off the coasts of Estonia and Latvia.

This was reported by the NATO press service.

NATO stressed that Russia's war against Ukraine has altered the security situation in the Baltic Sea. The Alliance has significantly increased its presence in the region.

"Exercises like these send a clear message that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory," said NATO Acting Spokesperson Dylan White.

Held annually, the exercise is being run for the first time from Germany’s new Navy Command in Rostock.

It will be recalled that over three thousand troops and nearly 30 ships will take part in the NATO exercises, which will train to repel Russia's attacks.