US Navy recon aircraft patrols Black Sea after Bulgarian request

NATO is increasing its military presence in the Black Sea, deploying additional maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems, and drones. This follows a confirmed escalation of Russian drone attacks on commercial shipping and near NATO member coasts (Bulgaria, Romania) since early October, aimed at disrupting Ukrainian export routes. The scale and nature of specific reinforcements remain partially undisclosed, but the move signals a heightened deterrence posture and increased risk of direct NATO-Russia confrontation.