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NATO to send planes and drones to Black Sea after attacks on shipping
The alliance is adding surveillance and forensic teams after attacks on commercial ships left at least 23 sailors missing or dead, officials said.
NATO announced Tuesday it will deploy maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems, and drones to the Black Sea to bolster surveillance following drone strikes on commercial shipping near Romania and Bulgaria.
At least 23 sailors are missing or dead after drones struck two chemical tankers and five other cargo vessels over 10 days near Romania and Bulgaria, disrupting a vital shipping route.
U.S. Army Colonel Martin Martin L. O'Donnell confirmed members are sending forensic teams to identify explosives used in the strikes. A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon arrived in Varna, Bulgaria, on Sunday to assist with surveillance.
NATO principal spokesperson Allison Hart stated the alliance has "strengthened our posture along the eastern flank, including with counter-drone capabilities," adding NATO will "ensure that we are ready and able to address any threat."
Despite links to the war in Ukraine, NATO has not attributed the attacks to any specific country, prioritizing situational awareness and regional security over escort missions or direct conflict.
Within a few days several ships in the Black Sea were hit by drones, two sailors died. Now Nato mobilizes seafaring reconnaissance and intelligence personnel.