The Romanian news agency Agerpres reported that NATO's "Sea Shield 2026" exercises have begun in Romania, with Defense Minister Radu Mircea participating in the opening ceremony.
The agency added that the maneuvers, scheduled from March 23 to April 3, will involve about 2,500 military personnel from 13 NATO member states: Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the United States, Turkey, and France, and will include 48 ships, 64 combat vehicles, 10 fighter jets, and 10 drones.
She explained that the Romanian Navy is contributing to the maneuvers with about 1,500 military personnel on board 33 naval and river vessels, including 3 frigates, in addition to 14 combat vehicles, 4 drones and two helicopters on board the ships.
The Ministry of Defense stated that "the maneuvers organized by the Romanian Navy will take place in maritime, riverine, underwater, land and air environments, and will include integrated scenarios adapted to current security challenges."
She added that the aim of these maneuvers and exercises is "to raise the level of interaction between the participating structures, as well as to improve the performance of all institutions within the national defense system, public order, and national security."
