The official transfer of command authority of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Group from Turkey to Bulgaria took place in Sofia.

This was reported by the Bulgarian Defense Ministry.

The previous commander of the group, Turkish Navy Admiral Selçuk Akar, handed over the flag and the group’s book of honor to the new commander, Captain 1st Rank Pavlin Petkov.

The ceremony was attended by Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Defense Radostin Iliev and the Commanders of the Navies of Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey: Rear Admiral Kirill Mikhailov, Vice Admiral Mihai Panayit and Admiral Ercüment Tatlioglu.

“I thank you all for the professionalism you demonstrated during the exercise, for your concern for maritime security, and for what you have already done to prevent the danger posed by sea mines and ensure safe trade routes,” Deputy Defense Minister Radostin Iliyev stated.

Iliyev noted that the establishment of the Mine Countermeasures Group and its results are a demonstration of capability, interoperability, strength and unity and strengthen NATO’s presence in the Black Sea region.

Mine Countermeasures Group

The Joint Mine Countermeasures Force of Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria will not be considered a NATO operation, but will be the first major joint action by the Black Sea Allies since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The group is aimed at clearing mines that have been drifting in parts of the Black Sea as a result of the war.

The agreement on the formation of the joint force was signed on January 11, 2024.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Defense emphasized that the group’s activities will not be aimed against any other country, and the Black Sea demining operation is expected to help improve cooperation between the participants.

It is noted that the initiative remains open to joint actions and participation of mine action forces and assets of other NATO member states located outside the Black Sea region.

The Mine Countermeasures Group will create safe conditions for civilian ships to sail in the Black Sea, minimizing the risk of explosions.