Entire Black Sea “a contested maritime area”, says Commander of Estonian Navy
Can Ukraine stand against the Russian fleet? (Photo: Russian Defence Ministry)
The use of uncrewed vessels and vehicles has been crucial so far, but the Commander of the Estonian Navy warns against inflating their importance.
Commodore Ivo Värk, Commander of the Estonian Navy, has said that the entire Black Sea is currently a contested naval area, with neither Russia nor Ukraine able to claim dominance in the conventional sense of naval warfare.
Speaking to Russian newspaper Pravda, frequently a voice of government spin, Commodore Värk said that assets and territory in the Black Sea were frequently changing hands.
“Today, both sides effectively have a certain degree of freedom of action,” Värk explained. “This freedom of action is, of course, greater near the coastline, where both sides have their own air defence systems, naval mines and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays]()
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
