France extends Black Sea patrol in Romania, aircraft commander says

France’s Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft will remain in Romania for several more weeks to help safeguard commercial navigation in the Black Sea, its commander said on 5 November. The deployment had been due to end on 6 November.

France moved the aircraft to Romania’s Mihail Kogalniceanu air base on 18 October after Romania and Bulgaria asked NATO for reinforcements. At least nine cargo ships were hit near the two countries’ coasts in October, with about 34 sailors reported dead or missing.

The attacks have exposed the two NATO members to the growing maritime war between Russia and Ukraine, Reuters said. The Black Sea is an important route for grain, oil and oil products. Russia has denied targeting Ukraine’s neighbors.

Warnings, but no interception

The aircraft is designed to detect submarines, warships, sea drones and mines. Its commander said it can detect sea drones but cannot intercept or neutralize them. French naval forces withheld the commander’s identity for security reasons.

On 28 October, the aircraft detected three sea drones that went on to strike and sink the Greek-owned container ship Contship Jet in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. The commander said the aircraft warned Bulgarian authorities and the ship an hour before the strike, allowing the crew to escape unharmed.

NATO said during the week of the report that it had committed to investing more than $40 billion in counter-drone capabilities over the next five years. The alliance also said it remained committed to defending all its members, including those on the Black Sea.