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France and US Deploy Maritime Patrol Aircraft to Black Sea Amid Russian Drone Attacks
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France and the United States deployed maritime patrol aircraft to the Black Sea following attacks on commercial shipping and renewed drone incidents near Romanian airspace, Curs de Guvernare reported on October 19.
A French Navy Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft arrived in Constanța on Sunday evening, while a US Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon was also operating over the Black Sea.
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The deployments followed NATO chief Mark Rutte’s discussion of Black Sea security with Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev in Brussels. Rutte announced that the Alliance would adjust its deterrence and defense posture in the region, according to Curs de Guvernare.
Dan also discussed recent drone attacks in the Black Sea with French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting French support for navigation security in the region.
Romanian Air Force aircraft shot down two Russian Geran-4 jet-powered drones over the Black Sea on Saturday. According to the report, the drones were attempting to attack commercial vessels.
Curs de Guvernare wrote that the French Atlantique 2 is designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare but can also conduct maritime surveillance, detection, and electronic intelligence missions. The aircraft can operate at very low altitude over the sea while monitoring submarines, surface vessels, and other maritime activity.
The US Navy deploys the P-8A Poseidon from Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily. The aircraft is used for maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare.
Romania’s acting Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu stated that the country’s armed forces had prepared for an increase in hybrid interference and would continue prioritizing air defense and maritime security, according to Curs de Guvernare.
“At Romania’s initiative, a dedicated meeting of the North Atlantic Council will take place on Tuesday to discuss defense and deterrence in the Black Sea,” Țoiu added.
The NATO deployments come as Russian attacks have turned the Black Sea into one of the world’s most dangerous commercial shipping routes. UNITED24 Media reported that more than 570 vessels had been struck in the region in 2026, with at least 40 sailors killed as attacks on civilian shipping intensified.
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