A La Fayette class frigate of the French Navy has entered the Black Sea on Friday according to Russian media sources. La Fayette class frigates are capable of carrying air-defence missiles and designed to accommodate Panther, as well as heavy range helicopters. The French Ambassador to Bulgaria, Eric Lebedel, tweeted that the frigate, the F710, was on its way to the Bulgarian port of Varna.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg earlier this year said that NATO plans to strengthen its presence in the Black sea. "We have agreed to increase the naval presence of NATO in the Black sea to enhance training, improve awareness of the situation and coordination of forces at sea", he said.
source: commonspace.eu with agencies
photo: The French La Fayette Class frigate seen passing through the Bosphorus at Istanbul.
