On February 15, 2023, during the sea phase training of the bulgarian Navy minehunter with a hull number 32, an underwater object, resembling a sea mine, was discovered at a point with coordinates: Lat=43°05.32'N, Long=027°58.02'E. After investigation by divers from the Bulgarian Navy, the object was classified as a historical sea mine, located on the seabed.

     At 5:55 pm on February 16, 2023, a diver-demolition group from the Bulgarian Naval Forces destroyed the mine.

     A signal about a floating object, resembling a sea mine, was received at the Bulgarian Naval Headquarters on January 23, 2023, from the regional governor of District Dobrich. At around 11:30 am, the mine was spotted 200 meters away from the shore opposite the village of Tyulenovo.

     After the conducted calculations, based on wind speed and sea currents, by experts at the Naval Headquarters, the standby helicopter "Panther" from the maritime helicopter airbase "Chayka" was activated to further investigate. At 2:50 pm, the helicopter crew located the mine, transmitted the coordinates, and remained in the area. Meanwhile a navigational warning (NAVWARN) was issued to warn seafarers about the threat.

     The high-speed fast patrol boat with a hull number 213, with military personnel from the formation for reconnaissance and disposal of unexploded ordnance, led by Lieutenant Commander Iliya Stoychev, made the transit to the location. The military specialists classified the mine as a moored mine, type "Yam", brought into a combat position.

     At 4:45 pm, the mine was destroyed by a controlled explosion carried out by the group of diver-demolition experts (Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team).

    The Bulgarian Naval Forces maintain readiness for surveillance and mine countermeasures in order to ensure safe navigation in the Bulgarian  maritime area of responsibility (AOR).

From 14.07.2022 to 25.07.2022 Bulgarian Navy will conduct Bulgarian Naval Exercise With Multinational Participation “BREEZE 22”.

The exercise is planned and will be executed in accordance with NATO standard procedures. Exercise “BREEZE 22” will take place in the territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Bulgaria in areas that were broadcasted in advance.

In the exercise participants from 11 countries with 24 military and auxiliary vessels, 5 aircrafts, 4 helicopters and total of 1390 military personal will take part. The participating countries are Bulgaria, Albania, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Türkiye, US and MARCOM. 121 representatives from 4 ministries, 21 directorates, various agencies and organizations will take part in the exercise, as well.

The exercise command will be deployed in Burgas naval base and will be assisted by Varna naval base.

In order to facilitate the safety of navigation a set of navigational warning were broadcasted. Click on the Link!