NATO is deploying additional maritime patrol aircraft, drones and radar systems following deadly attacks on merchant vessels off Romania and Bulgaria. Intelligence personnel and explosives investigation teams are also being sent after a North Atlantic Council meeting in Brussels.
Bulgaria confirmed that a US Navy P-8 Poseidon had begun reconnaissance flights following its request for assistance. Four merchant ships were attacked in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone over the preceding month; two sank.
Allied specialists are expected to assist investigations into the October 13 drone attack on the Malta-flagged Chelsea 3 off Bulgaria. All 15 crewmembers were rescued, and recovered debris is being examined.
Two chemical tankers were also attacked off Romania. The Comoros-flagged Yara J caught fire inside Romanian territorial waters near the Sulina Canal after a suspected drone strike. Its crew extinguished the blaze unaided.
The attacks threaten routes serving Ukraine’s ports, pressuring grain exports and increasing war-risk insurance costs. Russia separately claimed strikes on three vessels at Reni and two approaching Odesa, alleging military use.
NATO has not formally attributed the Romanian and Bulgarian incidents to Russia, which denies responsibility. Bulgarian authorities reported no decline in vessel traffic at Varna and Burgas.