France and the United States have deployed maritime patrol aircraft to the Black Sea following attacks on commercial shipping. The deployments also follow renewed drone incidents near Romanian airspace, according to a report by Curs de Guvernare.
A French Navy Atlantique 2 aircraft arrived in Constanța on Sunday evening. Meanwhile, a US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft was also operating over the Black Sea.
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The deployments followed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s discussions with Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev in Brussels. Rutte said the alliance would adjust its regional deterrence and defence posture.
Dan also discussed Black Sea drone attacks with French President Emmanuel Macron. Their talks highlighted France’s support for protecting navigation and commercial shipping in the region.
Romanian Air Force aircraft shot down two Russian Geran-4 jet-powered drones over the Black Sea on Saturday. The report said the drones were attempting to attack commercial vessels.
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The French Atlantique 2 supports anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and electronic intelligence missions. The US P-8A Poseidon conducts maritime surveillance, reconnaissance and anti-submarine operations. The US Navy operates the aircraft from Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily.
Romania’s acting Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu said the armed forces had prepared for increased hybrid interference. She added that air defence and maritime security remained priorities. Țoiu also announced that Romania had requested a dedicated North Atlantic Council meeting for Tuesday to discuss Black Sea defence and deterrence. UNITED24 Media reported that attacks had struck more than 570 vessels in the region during 2026, killing at least 40 sailors.