A U.S. Navy patrol aircraft is sharing Black Sea reconnaissance data with NATO after attacks on commercial ships, Bulgarian officials said, as allied specialists prepare to help investigate one of the strikes.
Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said Bulgaria and NATO jointly agreed to the P-8A Poseidon mission and that information it gathers is being sent to the alliance. The patrols will continue for as long as needed, he said. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said the aircraft is looking for possible threats.
Four vessels have been attacked in Bulgaria’s Black Sea exclusive economic zone in recent weeks, and two sank. NATO had pledged more surveillance and investigative support in the region following the attacks.
Bulgarian investigators are examining drone debris from the attack on the Chelsea-3 and conducting chemical tests to identify the explosive used. Radev said commercial ships were continuing to operate and that allied specialists were expected to arrive in Bulgaria on Oct. 21 to assist the investigation.
