site.btaDefence Ministry Steps Up Surveillance of Black Sea After Drone Explosion in Constanta Port

The Navy has taken measures to enhance monitoring of Bulgaria’s territorial waters and maritime areas in the Black Sea after a naval drone exploded in the area of the Romanian port of Constanta, the Ministry said on Friday.

To this end, the full capacity of the coastal radar surveillance system is being utilized. A Panther helicopter from the Navy is also participating in the operation, conducting aerial surveillance over the Black Sea. A Cougar helicopter from the Air Force is on standby and ready to be deployed for the mission.

A Navy unit is conducting surveillance of Bulgaria’s coastline in northeastern Bulgaria. To enhance monitoring and control capabilities in the area, unmanned aerial systems will also be deployed. A temporary navigation hazard zone has been declared, and vessels operating in the area have been notified.

The Navy maintains a continuous exchange of information and coordination with the Romanian Navy, as well as with NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM).

A marine drone exploded near the port of Constanta, Romania, according to the Romanian television channel Digi24. No casualties were reported in the incident.

It was later reported that three additional drones had been discovered. According to Reuters, citing Constanța County Prefect Adrian Teodor Picoiu, the drone that self-detonated was part of a group of five drones. Picoiu said that another drone from the group had exploded in Ukraine.

Authorities are currently searching for the remains of the three other drones that were part of the group.