Shkval Participates in MCM Black sea Mine Countermeasures Group

The Bulgarian base minesweeper "Shkval" with commander Captain III rank Svetoslav Andonov participated in the seventh activation of the Mine Countermeasures Naval Group in the Black Sea MCM Black sea, announced the press center of the Naval Forces (VMS) in Varna. The Admiralty emphasized that two Bulgarian officers also participate in the group, holding important positions in the coastal and the expeditionary headquarters, respectively. Besides "Shkval", two ships from the Romanian Navy, as well as one ship from the Turkish military fleet, are also included in the group.

A reporter on the spot reports: from the port in Varna, against the background of the noise of the waves and the work of the port facilities, tension is felt, but also readiness for the upcoming tasks. Officers and sailors are busy with the final preparations before sailing.

Until October 10, the members of MCM Black sea will also take part in the multinational exercise "Poseidon 2025". The main goal of this exercise is to improve operational compatibility in the field of mine countermeasure actions. The exercise is organized sequentially by the Navy of Romania and Bulgaria. This edition includes military personnel and ships from a total of 13 partner countries - Italy, Poland, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, the United States of America, Sweden, Turkey, Romania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Greece, as well as from two NATO structures - the Allied Maritime Command and the Center of Excellence in Mine Countermeasures. Within the framework of the planned sea training, "Shkval" will perform key tasks in reconnaissance and surveillance for drifting mines and mine-like objects, as well as mine countermeasure actions in specific areas. Emphasis will also be placed on improving operational compatibility and situational awareness.

The MCM Black sea group was created with the signing of a memorandum between Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey at the beginning of 2024. Its main mission is to ensure the safety of maritime traffic and to effectively counter the threat of sea mines. The participants in the group conduct various reconnaissance and surveillance operations, as well as mine countermeasure actions in pre-defined areas. If necessary, the group is ready to undertake search and rescue operations related to these activities.

The command of the group is carried out on a rotational basis. Bulgaria took command from Turkey in January this year, and then handed it over to Romania.