The maritime phase of the annual Sea Breeze exercises is underway in Portland, United Kingdom, with Ukrainian Navy crews and staff officers training in mine countermeasure operations at sea.
During the exercises, naval vessels are conducting missions to search for and identify hazardous underwater objects, while headquarters personnel are practicing operational planning and command procedures for mine clearance missions.
The Ukrainian Navy said the training is an important step in preparing for future mine countermeasure operations in the Black Sea and Azov Sea, where large areas remain affected by the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The exercises also provide Ukrainian personnel with experience in coordinating operations alongside international partners — a capability expected to be crucial for future joint mine clearance efforts.
Ensuring maritime mine safety is considered essential for restoring Ukraine’s economic potential, reopening shipping routes, and maintaining secure international trade. The Ukrainian Navy has identified mine clearance capabilities as one of its key priorities for the future security of the country’s maritime areas.
