NATO sends warships into the Black Sea to 'anger' Russia

Ships of the US Navy's 6th Fleet, including the flagship USS Mount Whitney and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Porter, arrived at the Black Sea port of Constanta, Romania, after visiting Batumi, Georgia, on November 12. The US European Command said the ships are operating with NATO allies and partners in the Black Sea.

The deployment comes after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited countries in the region.

The US Navy's flagship USS Mount Whitney and the Romanian frigate Marasesti in the Black Sea on November 12. Photo: US Navy

Russia is naturally angered by these activities. During a meeting with military leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to threaten the US warships, saying that Russian forces could observe the USS Mount Whitney “through binoculars or within the range of defense systems.”

Mr Putin's comments come amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO.

Seven years after Russia annexed Crimea and amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe, the Black Sea remains a “hot spot” and could continue to “heat up”.

Strategic sea area

The Black Sea is strategically located, connecting the Caucasus with Europe along Russia's southwestern flank. The region hosts Russia's warm-water ports and provides Russia with access to the Mediterranean and beyond.

The Black Sea occupies an important place in Russia's defense and security structure. Dominance in this region allows Moscow to counter challenges from NATO.

“The Black Sea is also a theater of Russian [military] activity, which has increased over the past two decades,” Alina Polyakova, head of the Center for European Policy Analysis, said during a Senate hearing in October.

These operations include close encounters with NATO forces at sea and in the air, as well as strikes in Ukraine and Georgia – two partner countries that want to join NATO.

NATO has increased its presence in the Black Sea, but geographical constraints and international legal instruments mean that countering Russia there is not easy.

Russia's "home field"

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia's Black Sea Fleet was downsized. With the 2008 military reforms and the State Armaments Program 2011-2020, the Black Sea Fleet became a more flexible force, capable of operating in areas close to Russia's shores and in the seas surrounding it.

The main components of the Black Sea Fleet are three Admiral Grigorovich-class guided missile frigates built since 2014, two Krivak-class guided missile frigates and Slava-class guided missile cruisers. There are also six Improved Kilo-class diesel-electric attack submarines and one older Kilo-class submarine. These ships are supported by a number of smaller vessels, including six missile corvettes, five missile boats and littoral combat ships.

The Black Sea Fleet also includes the recently created 22nd Army Division, 1 air defense unit and 2 aviation units based in Crimea and 1 air defense unit based in Rostov-on-Don.

Moscow is currently boosting its anti-access/area denial capabilities in the Black Sea, especially around Crimea, to protect its warships and deter enemy forces. Adding to the Black Sea Fleet’s long-range strike capabilities are Kalibr cruise missiles, which have a maximum range of 2,000km.

NATO members and partners in the Black Sea are at a military disadvantage compared to Russia. Romania has three frigates, seven corvettes and a number of support boats, and one old Kilo-class submarine. Bulgaria is not far behind, with four frigates, three corvettes and a number of other support vessels, mainly minesweepers.

Türkiye has a significant naval force in size and capability within NATO, but its warm relations with Russia and discord with NATO have raised doubts about Ankara's commitment to the military alliance.

Ukraine is still rebuilding its navy after Russia annexed Crimea, while Georgia, the smallest Black Sea nation, only has a coast guard.

In the event of a conflict with Russia, these countries would have to seek outside help, but there are many barriers. The 1936 Montreaux Convention limits the type and number of ships that non-Black Sea states can send to the region. They can also stay in the region for no more than 21 days, and Türkiye must be warned in advance of any movement into or out of the Black Sea.

These restrictions favor Russia and limit what the US can do in the region. Only three US Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are allowed in the Black Sea at any one time. But a single Arleigh Burke is a formidable platform. Each can carry 56 Tomahawk missiles, which have a range comparable to Russia’s Kalibr missiles.

US needs clearer strategy in the Black Sea

Now Black Sea countries and NATO members are cooperating to improve their capabilities against Russia.

Romania has deployed the Aegis ballistic missile defense system on land and is expanding other facilities to accommodate more NATO troops. Bulgaria is in talks with the United States about expanding its military capabilities. Ukraine has also taken steps to modernize and expand its military.

In recent weeks, since Defense Secretary Austin’s visit, regional officials and U.S. lawmakers have urged the Biden administration to do more to support Black Sea countries, including through increased arms sales and troop deployments. Some have argued for a clearer strategy in the Black Sea to deter Russia.

The USS Mount Whitney began leaving the Black Sea on November 15, followed by the USS Porter on November 16. Such deployments often anger Russia, but the US shows no signs of backing down.

The US said that the presence of its warships in the Black Sea is to demonstrate "its commitment to collective defense in the European region and to strengthen the strength of the NATO alliance"./.