NATO is conducting the Poseidon naval exercises in the Black Sea from November 7 to 14, focusing on countering underwater mine threats. Bulgaria is hosting this year’s drills.

Naval forces from Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey are taking part in the exercises. Romania has confirmed that it will deploy a minesweeper to operate alongside Bulgarian and Turkish warships.

According to NATO’s stated objectives, the exercises are designed to improve mine countermeasure capabilities, strengthen cooperation among allied forces and enhance interoperability between participating naval units.

The Poseidon exercises have been held in the Black Sea since 2002, with Romania and Bulgaria alternating responsibility for organizing the annual drills.

Previous editions have involved a broader group of NATO members. The last Poseidon exercise brought together approximately 800 military personnel from 13 countries.

NATO military activities are also taking place elsewhere in Eastern Europe. Large-scale German military exercises, Freedom Shield 26-II and Grand Eagle 26, have begun in Lithuania, involving troops from several NATO member states.