Bulgarian Prime Minister: US P-8 Patrol Aircraft Have Started Missions in the Black Sea
On October 20 local time, Bulgarian Prime Minister Radev stated that a U.S. Boeing P-8 Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft has begun patrolling over the Black Sea, aimed at reconnaissance and detecting potentially risky activities. Radev mentioned that some allies responded after his discussions with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg and his request for assistance.
Bulgarian Defense Minister Stoyanov stated that the aircraft belongs to NATO and should not be associated with any specific country. Stoyanov noted that this Poseidon patrol aircraft does not have the capability to strike targets and will carry out missions as needed. He mentioned that the decision to deploy this patrol aircraft was made jointly by Bulgaria and NATO, and the intelligence collected by the aircraft is being transmitted to NATO.
Additionally, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart stated that NATO held a meeting to discuss security issues in the Black Sea. She noted that NATO has strengthened its deployments on the eastern flank and will increase resources in the Black Sea region to support relevant monitoring, reconnaissance, and evidence-gathering efforts. (CCTV reporters Yang Mingjiao and Liu Chuanjuan)
On October 20, 2023, a U.S. Boeing P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft commenced reconnaissance missions over the Black Sea to detect potential risks. This deployment was a collaborative decision between Bulgaria and NATO, with intelligence gathered being shared with NATO. NATO has also reinforced its presence in the region to support surveillance and reconnaissance efforts.
- A U.S. Boeing P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft began operations over the Black Sea on October 20, 2023.
- The aircraft is conducting reconnaissance to detect potential risks.
- The deployment was a joint decision by Bulgaria and NATO.
- The aircraft's intelligence is being shared with NATO.
- NATO has increased its presence in the Black Sea region.