Key facts
- France temporarily deployed a maritime patrol aircraft to Romania.
- The deployment is to bolster Black Sea security and protect critical infrastructure.
- Eight cargo ships have been hit near Romania and Bulgaria in three weeks.
- 34 sailors reported dead or missing in recent attacks.
- Romanian forces shot down two Russian drones over its waters.
France has temporarily relocated a maritime patrol aircraft to Romania to enhance security and identify navigation dangers in the Black Sea, following a series of attacks on cargo ships. The Atlantique 2 aircraft arrived at Mihail Kogalniceanu air base on October 18 and will conduct surveillance until November 6. The move aims to increase the protection of critical energy infrastructure in Romania's exclusive economic zone. This deployment adds to measures enforced by Romanian naval forces, including increased patrols with ships, helicopters, and drones. NATO also plans to bolster its presence with additional aircraft, radar systems, and drones.