France sends aircraft to Black Sea region after attacks on ships near Romania
28.10.2026 - 10:07
France has temporarily redeployed a maritime patrol aircraft to Romania to help detect threats to shipping and strengthen protection in the Black Sea.
This was reported by the Romanian Ministry of Defense.
Recall that in the past three weeks, at least eight cargo ships have been hit by attacks off the coast of Romania and Bulgaria. According to available data, 34 sailors have died or are missing.
In this regard, France redeployed its maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique 2 to an air base in Romania on October 18, and its reconnaissance missions over the western Black Sea will continue until November 6.
The Romanian Ministry of Defense emphasized that the purpose of this measure is to detect threats to shipping and increase the ability to protect critical infrastructure in Romania’s exclusive economic zone.
“The response of NATO and the French Navy complements the measures taken by the Romanian Navy, including an increase in the number of maritime patrol missions using ships, helicopters and drones,” the Romanian Defense Ministry said.
The ministry noted that the Romanian Navy is also constantly informing shipowners about the dangers and recommended routes.
Read also: Ukraine and Romania to strengthen cooperation to protect shipping in the Black Sea.
