NATO has deployed additional military assets to the Black Sea following a series of drone attacks on commercial vessels, with at least 23 sailors missing in recent incidents. The alliance is increasing surveillance and counter-drone capabilities to address rising security concerns along its eastern flank.
NATO's North Atlantic Council met on Oct. 20 to discuss Black Sea security, with allies sending maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems, and drones. Bulgaria recovered suspected drone fragments from an attack on a Ukrainian-owned vessel, while Romania shot down two suspected Russian-made drones over its territorial waters.
The attacks have raised alarms about the potential for Russia's war in Ukraine to spill into neighboring countries, with Black Sea routes now considered high-risk. NATO has not identified the attackers, though military analysts point to Russia as the likely perpetrator, though Moscow has not acknowledged responsibility.
NATO has not yet confirmed the origin of the drones, though Romanian officials believe they are Russian-made Geran-4 models. The incidents have prompted calls for increased military presence in the region, with Bulgaria seeking combat aircraft and anti-drone systems to bolster its defense.