Key facts
- Romania will accelerate development of capabilities to counter mines and drones in the Black Sea.
- At least seven cargo ships have been hit near Romania and Bulgaria in the past two weeks.
- Romanian F-16s shot down two Russian drones over Romanian territorial waters on Saturday.
- NATO will send more maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems and drones to the Black Sea.
Romania will accelerate its development of surveillance capabilities and equipment to counter mines and drones in the Black Sea following a series of drone attacks on commercial ships. The country's top defense council announced the measures on Thursday, stating that the attacks are direct consequences of Russia's aggression beyond Ukraine's borders.
At least seven cargo ships have been hit near the coasts of NATO members Romania and Bulgaria in the past two weeks, with approximately 30 sailors reported dead or missing. Romanian F-16 fighter jet pilots shot down two Russian drones over Romanian territorial waters on Saturday.
NATO announced on Tuesday that it will send additional maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems, and drones to the Black Sea region.