France deploys an ATLANTIQUE 2 aircraft to Mihail Kogălniceanu to monitor and protect the Black Sea

At Romania’s request, France has deployed an ATLANTIQUE 2 maritime patrol aircraft to the “Captain Aviator Constantin Cantacuzino” 57th Air Base in Mihail Kogălniceanu, amid the deteriorating security situation in the region. The aircraft will carry out surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the western Black Sea from October 18 to November 6.

The flights are planned and coordinated with the support of the “Vice Admiral Ioan Georgescu” Naval Component Command and in cooperation with the Maritime Coordination Center. The missions aim to identify threats to navigation and strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure in Romania’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

According to the Ministry of National Defence, the presence of the French aircraft contributes to deterrence operations conducted under NATO auspices and supports freedom of navigation and the saving of lives at sea. Romanian military personnel will train alongside their French partners, including through participation in overflights and information exchanges with military vessels operating offshore.

The mission complements the measures undertaken by the Romanian Naval Forces, which use ships, IAR-330 Puma Naval helicopters and unmanned autonomous systems to monitor the maritime area and prevent incidents. Romania and its allies conduct ongoing surveillance activities in the Black Sea amid the risks generated by Russia’s war against Ukraine.