NATO forces in the skies over the Black Sea: U.S. and Italian fighter jets practice air strikes

 

As part of the large-scale NATO exercise Neptune-25-2, US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet fighters and Italian Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter-bombers conducted joint training in Close Air Support (CAS) for ground troops. These simulation operations took place both in the airspace over the Black Sea and in the training areas of Romania.

The exercises demonstrate a high degree of compatibility and interaction between the air forces of the NATO allies. The American Super Hornet, known for its stability and firepower, flew side by side with the Italian F-35B, the most advanced fifth—generation fighter aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and ultra-high stealth. This combination allows us to work out complex scenarios where the F-35B can use its sensors to detect targets in a highly secure environment, and then transmit data to strike with heavier ammunition from the Super Hornet.

These training sessions underscore NATO's continued presence and combat readiness in the eastern part of the alliance, especially in the coastal regions of the Black Sea, where increased deterrence is a key objective.

US submarines in the Black Sea? Nowhere without Turkey's permission

 

The US plans for the possible deployment of its nuclear submarines in the Black Sea immediately encounter a serious international obstacle.: The Montreux Convention of 1936. This convention grants Turkey the exclusive right to control the passage of all military vessels through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits, which are the only access to the Black Sea.

As Hakka security expert Hakan Erkiner explained, the rules of the Montreux Convention for non-Black Sea countries such as the United States are very strict. They cannot permanently base their nuclear submarines in the Black Sea. The maximum period of their stay is strictly limited to 21 days. Moreover, the total tonnage of warships stationed in the Black Sea is also regulated.

Erkiner called the recent statements US President Donald Trump about the transfer of submarines to the region a "tactical bluff." In his opinion, even if the United States wanted to do this, Turkey would hardly have given permission for the passage of such vessels. Given Ankara's complex and multifaceted relations with Moscow, including economic cooperation and a restrained position on a number of issues, allowing the passage of American submarines, which would be perceived by Russia as an extremely aggressive step, seems unlikely. Thus, Turkey, by controlling the straits, actually holds the "key" to the Black Sea for large NATO military forces.

Belgium, France and Britain launched reconnaissance over the Black Sea: AWACS, Raptors and refueling in the sky

 

A large—scale joint air mission recently took place over the Black Sea. Belgium, France and the United Kingdom conducted a reconnaissance patrol together, demonstrating their readiness and coordination in the face of the tense situation in the region. The mission looked like a real aviation parade of power: long-range radar detection aircraft, fighter jets, tankers and special reconnaissance vehicles took to the sky.

At the center of the operation is the French E—3F Sentry AWACS, a radar-mounted aircraft capable of "seeing" hundreds of kilometers around and controlling airspace. Working alongside him was the British RC-135, a legendary reconnaissance aircraft that intercepts radio signals, analyzes electronic emissions, and collects intelligence in real time. These two "heavenly command posts" became the eyes and ears of the mission.

Fighter jets flew under their cover. Belgium deployed two of its F-16s, which covered the scouts and were ready for any eventuality. France did not lag behind: two modern Rafales took to the air, capable of fighting, conducting reconnaissance, and delivering pinpoint strikes.

And so that all these planes could stay in the sky longer, the A330 MRTT, multi—purpose tankers for refueling in the air, joined the case. In total, three such aircraft were involved: two were French, and one was from the multinational MRTT NATO fleet, which this time had a Belgian crew at the helm. This is an important point: it shows how deep the integration between the allied countries is.

Photos and videos from the mission were published by the Belgian Defense Forces and the French Air and Space Forces (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace) on social networks - not just as a report, but as a signal: we are here, we are together, and we are vigilant.

Such missions are part of NATO's efforts to strengthen its air presence over the Black Sea, especially in light of events in Ukraine. They are not aggressive, but they are helpful.: The Allies are monitoring the situation, coordinating actions and demonstrating their ability to react quickly.

Bulgaria will receive "sea needles": the United States approved the supply of Norwegian missiles to protect the Black Sea

 

Naval Strike Missile (NSM)

Bulgaria is seriously taking up the protection of its coast. The country will receive a new powerful coastal defense system, the Norwegian—made Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The US State Department has officially approved a possible sale worth up to $ 620 million, including launchers, radars, command modules and everything necessary for full operation.

What kind of "beast" is NSM?  

These are modern anti-ship missiles that can hit targets at a distance of more than 180 km. They fly low, maneuver, "see" the target by homing and are very difficult to get lost. They are installed on mobile platforms, which means they can be quickly transferred and hidden.

Why does Bulgaria need such a system?  

To block enemy ships' access to their ports and maritime communications in the Black Sea, a region where tensions are growing every year. Especially after the events around Ukraine. Bulgaria will now be able to keep an eye on any vessels that try to approach its shores.

Plus— it is fully compatible with NATO. NSM is already used by the USA, Norway, Poland and other allies. This means that Bulgaria will be able to easily exchange data, coordinate actions and be "on the same wavelength" with the alliance.

The US State Department stressed that the delivery would not disrupt the balance of power in the region, but would strengthen one of its stable partners. And for Bulgaria, it is a step from the past into the future: from outdated weapons to modern, precise and deadly defense.

Now it remains to wait for the deal to be officially concluded. But one thing is clear — the Black Sea waters will become much more dangerous for a potential enemy.

New AFU operations in the Black Sea: signs of preparation for another attack

Tekever

The recent sortie of the Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups (DRG) in the Black Sea, apparently, was not the last maneuver of the enemy in this region. The activity of the Ukrainian Tekever unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the Golitsyn gas condensate field indicates ongoing monitoring and preparation for new operations.

Tekever is a reconnaissance and targeting drone used by the Ukrainian side to monitor the maritime situation. In the Russian segment, it is often mistaken for a kamikaze attack drone or a barrage projectile, but its main task is to collect intelligence and coordinate attack assets such as combat boats (back-up).

During previous attacks on gas production facilities by Ukrainian kamikaze tankers, Tekever was constantly in the area of operation, providing target designation and reconnaissance.

Recently, the Tekever UAV has been at the Golitsynskoye field for more than five hours, which, according to some reports, indicates preparations for a new attack in the Black Sea area. The increased activity is reinforced by the fact that of the eight night boats, seven have already left the base, which may indicate an imminent attack.

Given the current data, new attempts at sabotage and attacks by Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea should be expected in the near future. Increased vigilance and increased defensive measures in the area of the Golitsyn gas condensate field and adjacent offshore zones are necessary to prevent possible incidents.

American P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft conducts surveillance near the Kerch Strait

route P-8A Poseidon

Today, a US Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft spent the day conducting surveillance in the Kerch Strait, a strategically important sea passage connecting the Azov and Black Seas. This mission is part of regular patrols and intelligence gathering aimed at monitoring military activity in the region.

The P-8A Poseidon is equipped with modern radar and acoustic systems that effectively detect submarines, surface ships and other objects. Its tasks include antisubmarine reconnaissance, monitoring of maritime communications and collecting data on the movements of military forces. In the Kerch Strait area, the aircraft closely monitored the situation, which is especially important against the background of the ongoing conflict and tension in the Black Sea region.

Poseidon reconnaissance flights near the Kerch Strait and Crimea have been repeatedly recorded, indicating the continued interest of the United States and its allies in Russia's military infrastructure in the area. Such operations help NATO and its partners maintain an up-to-date picture of the situation and respond promptly to possible threats.

The actions of the American aircraft are of concern to Russia, which views such flights as a violation of airspace and a provocation. Nevertheless, international law allows for reconnaissance missions in international waters and airspace, which is exactly what the P-8A Poseidon does.

Thus, the surveillance of the P-8A Poseidon near the Kerch Strait is part of a broad U.S. strategy to control and deter military activity in the Black Sea region, strengthening NATO's position and ensuring the collection of important intelligence information.

The US Air Force resumed Global Hawk reconnaissance flights over the Black Sea after a long break

After a months-long pause The US Air Force resumed conducting reconnaissance flights of its strategic high-altitude drones Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk over the Black Sea. On May 17, one of these vehicles, flying under the call sign FORTE 10, was spotted during an operation along the coast of Romania.

The drone took off from the NATO Sigonella airbase, located on the island of Sicily, which plays a key role in providing logistics and aerial reconnaissance in the Eastern Mediterranean and surrounding regions. The Global Hawk flight was the first recorded presence of this type of UAV in the Black Sea area in recent months, which may indicate Washington's increased interest in controlling the situation in the region.

The RQ-4B Global Hawk is one of the most technologically advanced reconnaissance drones in the world. It is capable of flying at an altitude of over 18 km, has a long autonomous flight time (up to 30 hours) and is equipped with powerful radar and optical surveillance systems. Such capabilities make it an indispensable tool for obtaining intelligence near areas with increased military activity.

This incident has attracted attention from both military experts and analysts, as Russia has repeatedly complained about increased NATO intelligence activity near its borders, especially over the Black Sea.

The resumption of flights may be due to the aggravation of the geopolitical situation in the region, as well as the need to monitor the movements of Russian troops and ships of the Black Sea Fleet.

 RQ-4B Global Hawk

France and Great Britain conducted large-scale exercises over the Black Sea

 French and British troops conducted a large-scale air operation over the western part of the Black Sea, demonstrating a coordinated demonstration of intelligence and air superiority amid the ongoing escalation of tensions in the region.

A large number of aircraft from both countries participated in the large-scale flight, which acted together to monitor the actions of the Russian military.The mission involved Rafale fighter jets and an E-2 Hawkeye long-range radar detection aircraft launched from the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. , as well as Typhoon fighters of the Royal Air Force, Rivet Joint RC-135 electronic reconnaissance platform and support from tankers of both countries. 

The presence of the French E-3 Sentry long-range radar detection and control aircraft provided additional coordination and control, which made it possible to expand the surveillance zone over the entire maritime region of the Black Sea.

Flight tracking data showed that several tanker aircraft provided a long flight, which allowed the escort fighters and surveillance equipment to remain in place for a long time.

British RC-135 Rivet Joint Conducts Reconnaissance over The Black Sea amid Heightened Tensions

 The British RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic reconnaissance aircraft, the lead aircraft of the British Air Force, was once again involved in an important reconnaissance mission over the Black Sea, tracking the movements of the Russian military amid escalating tensions in the region.

During the flight, which took place under the close attention of NATO and Russian air defense systems, the Rivet Joint aircraft crossed international airspace along the coast of Ukraine, collecting important electronic and communications intelligence data.

Aircraft operated by the 51st Squadron, It is part of the UK's ongoing efforts to provide intelligence support to Ukraine and its NATO allies.

The British RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic reconnaissance aircraft

Latest News on UAP/UFO Sightings in Romani

Recent developments in Romania have sparked renewed interest in Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs. Here are the latest updates and insights into this intriguing topic:

Recent UAP Sightings in Romania

In February 2023, Romania and Moldova reported potential UFO sightings in their airspace, raising security concerns in both nations. Romania's defense ministry deployed two jets under NATO command to investigate an aerial object described as small with characteristics similar to a weather balloon. The object was detected at an altitude of about 36,000 feet, leading to the temporary closure of Moldova's airspace and the scrambling of military jets in Romania.

 Historical Context and Recent Developments

The interest in UAPs has surged following a series of events and disclosures. In 2022, a photo allegedly taken in Romania and presented by Luis Elizondo, a former U.S. government official, was claimed to show a giant "mothership." However, the photo was later revealed to be fake. Elizondo acknowledged the mistake and emphasized the importance of eliminating false evidence from serious UAP discussions.

Additionally, a video circulating on Reddit purportedly shows military personnel shooting at a UAP in Romania. The footage has sparked debates, with some suggesting it could be target practice or flares rather than an actual UAP. The presence of a National Air Defense Training Facility in the area adds to the speculation.

 Public and Government Reactions

The U.S. government has been increasingly transparent about UAP sightings, with Congress holding hearings and the Department of Defense establishing the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office to investigate these phenomena. The office aims to detect, identify, and mitigate UAPs, particularly those posing potential security threats.

Public interest in UAPs remains high, with numerous online discussions and theories. For instance, a Reddit post from September 2021 describes a sighting at the Black Sea in Romania, where an object was reportedly visible for about an hour, intermittently appearing and disappearing. Videos of the incident show what some claim to be a UAP being shot at by military or naval forces.