Bulgaria Asks NATO for Jets and Counter-Drone Systems as Ship Strikes Reach Romanian Waters
Drone strikes on merchant ships off Bulgaria and Romania now reach the Danube outlet that carries Ukraine's exports, and Bulgaria wants allied aircraft and air defenses to answer them.
Drone strikes on merchant ships off Bulgaria and Romania now reach the Danube outlet that carries Ukraine's exports, and Bulgaria wants allied aircraft and air defenses to answer them.
Bulgaria has formally asked NATO to deploy combat aircraft and counter-drone systems after a string of drone attacks on Black Sea shipping, Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said on Oct. 16. Sofia also wants anti-aircraft missile systems and patrol aircraft. "We have sent letters and a request to the NATO Secretary General and the Supreme Allied Commander," he told reporters in Sofia. "We are awaiting their decision."
Frequently Asked Questions
What has Bulgaria asked NATO for?
Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said on Oct. 16 that Bulgaria formally asked NATO for combat aircraft, anti-aircraft missile systems, counter-drone systems and patrol aircraft, in letters to the NATO Secretary General and the Supreme Allied Commander. He said Sofia is awaiting their decision.
Which ships were hit near Romania?
The chemical tankers Yara J and Wine Trader, both near the Sulina canal at the mouth of the Danube. NATO said Yara J was hit inside Romanian territorial waters and Wine Trader just outside them. Seven of Wine Trader's 12 crew are missing; Yara J's crew was safe.
Who is behind the attacks?
No government has formally attributed them. A NATO military source told Reuters the drones were of Russian origin. Romania's President Nicușor Dan called attribution "too early," and Bulgaria's Prime Minister Rumen Radev said there is no solid evidence yet.
How many ships have been attacked?
At least seven cargo vessels this month in Romania's and Bulgaria's exclusive economic zones, with two dead and at least 25 missing, according to AP.
Will NATO invoke Article 5?
Not for now. Romania's President Dan told POLITICO that Article 5 is not under discussion and that Romania has not requested Article 4 consultations. A NATO official said the North Atlantic Council will discuss the Black Sea next week.
AI-generated summary, reviewed by an editor. More on our AI guidelines.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.