Sea Phase of National Naval Exercise Breeze 2026 Begins.

Bulgarian Navy launches sea phase of multinational naval exercise in the Black Sea.

Ships under the command of Flotilla Admiral Radko Penev, commander of the Flotilla of Combat and Auxiliary Ships, departed Naval Base Burgas and the Port of Burgas to begin the sea phase of a multinational naval exercise in the Black Sea.

The day's operations include mine countermeasure surveys using autonomous underwater vehicles, escorting ships through pre-cleared mine channels, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and operations against asymmetric maritime threats involving high-speed boats. Specialized diving teams from Naval Base Varna will also conduct underwater inspections for magnetic mines, practice medical evacuation procedures, and perform port security operations.

During the maritime phase of the exercise, Bulgarian naval vessels will operate alongside maritime patrol aircraft from Turkey and France, as well as a helicopter from the Bulgarian Navy. Prior to the deployment at sea, joint training sessions were held with experts from NATO's Centre of Excellence for Maritime Interdiction Operations, focusing on vessel boarding and inspection procedures. Officers from the navies of the United States, France, and Italy will observe the activities of the Mine Countermeasure Group aboard the command ship throughout the exercise.