NATO Sends Planes, Drones and Radar to Black Sea After Deadly Attacks on Shipping

NATO will send additional maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems and drones to the Black Sea, the alliance announced on Tuesday, responding to a series of deadly drone attacks on commercial shipping apparently linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The decision followed a meeting of the North Atlantic Council, NATO’s main decision-making body, at its Brussels headquarters. Alongside the aircraft and surveillance systems, member states have sent or will send intelligence personnel and forensic teams to analyse explosives used in the attacks, according to a NATO military spokesperson, US Army Colonel Martin L. O’Donnell.

Sailors dead and missing

The reinforcement follows a grim fortnight for shipping in the western Black Sea. Last week, seven sailors were reported missing after drones struck two chemical tankers near Romania’s coast, setting both vessels ablaze. Over the previous ten days, at least five other cargo vessels were hit near the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria, both NATO members, with at least 23 sailors reported dead or missing in total.

The sea lane in question is a vital export route used by Ukraine, and the attacks have raised fresh fears about the safety of civilian crews sailing it.

No formal attribution

NATO has not formally blamed any country for the strikes. Military analysts say Russia almost certainly carried them out, but Moscow has not acknowledged responsibility. The pattern mirrors the alliance’s broader caution during the war: reinforcing deterrence and surveillance on its eastern flank while avoiding a direct public accusation that could force an escalation.

Allison Hart, NATO’s principal spokesperson, said the alliance had already strengthened its posture along the eastern flank, including with counter-drone capabilities, and would remain united and ready to address any threat to the safety of its one billion citizens.

Source: Reuters