Bulgaria boosts Black Sea surveillance after drone blast in Romanian port

Bulgaria's Naval Forces are intensifying their monitoring of territorial waters and Black Sea maritime zones. This action follows a drone explosion in Romania's Port of Constanța, prompting Sofia to enhance its surveillance capabilities.

The enhanced monitoring will utilize the full capacity of the coastal radar surveillance system. A Panther helicopter from the Navy is conducting aerial surveillance, and a Cougar helicopter from the Air Force is on standby. Additionally, a Navy unit is patrolling Bulgaria's northeastern coastline, and unmanned aerial systems (drones) will also be deployed.

Bulgaria has established a temporary danger zone for navigation and informed vessels operating in the region. The Bulgarian Navy maintains continuous information exchange and coordination with the Romanian Navy and NATO's Maritime Command (MARCOM). This incident occurred after a maritime drone, reportedly belonging to Ukraine and affected by Russian jamming, detonated in Port Constanța, damaging facilities and a ship.

European leaders have reacted to the incident, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing solidarity with Romania. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen linked the event to Russia's war in Ukraine, warning that threats are nearing the EU's eastern borders. Both the Romanian and Bulgarian coastlines are known to experience significant GPS jamming.

“

We are with Romania and are doing what your authorities deem necessary to protect territorial and air sovereignty.