NATO has announced plans to deploy additional maritime patrol aircraft, radar equipment, and drones to the Black Sea following a series of attacks on civilian vessels. The measures are intended to improve maritime security and strengthen the alliance's ability to detect threats.
As Reuters reported, the measures were discussed at a North Atlantic Council meeting in Brussels focused on deteriorating security along maritime trade routes.
The decision followed several attacks on commercial vessels off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria. In one incident, seven sailors were reported missing after drone strikes on two tankers near Romania. Other incidents also reportedly left people injured and ships damaged.
In addition to aircraft and drones, the alliance plans to deploy further intelligence capabilities and specialists to analyze explosive devices used in the attacks.
NATO has not officially identified a state responsible for all the reported attacks. Military analysts' assessments of possible Russian involvement do not constitute an official finding by the alliance.
Black Sea security is particularly important to Ukraine and neighboring NATO countries. The region carries shipments of grain, petroleum products, and other goods, while attacks on civilian vessels threaten international trade and ship crews.
The announced measures involve strengthening surveillance and protecting maritime communications and shipping routes. NATO has not announced a new military operation in the Black Sea.