US Navy Patrols Black Sea After Drone Attacks on Ships

The United States Navy deployed a Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft to the Black Sea on October 19 to monitor maritime activity and detect risks. The aircraft departed from Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy, and arrived in Varna, Bulgaria, on October 18 before conducting prolonged, low-altitude flights near the Bulgarian coastline.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Roumen Radev confirmed the deployment followed a request for assistance from Sofia after drone attacks struck four merchant vessels off the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania this month. Two of the targeted ships sank, leaving 21 people missing. Because one of the targeted vessels was Ukrainian, the Government of Bulgaria has launched a war crime investigation and summoned the Russian ambassador.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated the alliance would adjust defenses as needed in response to the attacks. The organization is scheduled to discuss the security situation during a meeting on Wednesday to determine how to boost control over the Black Sea.