The multinational exercise "Poseidon 2023", in Constanta

More than 750 soldiers from the Romanian Naval Forces, from other structures of the national defense system, as well as from Bulgaria, Belgium, France, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Great Britain and the United States of America, are participating in a multinational exercise called "Poseidon 2023".

The official opening took place this morning, in the Port of Constanta, as RRA correspondent Sorin Cealera reports.

"Poseidon 2023" is led by the Fleet Command and brings together soldiers and assets from nine NATO member states.

Complex training sequences will be carried out at sea, the exercise being dedicated to combating mines.

Cornel Eugen Cojocaru, fleet commander: In order to keep the shipping lanes free, we conduct this exercise with real capabilities, so that whenever we discover a mine we are able to destroy it. Another objective is to certify the "Regina Maria" frigate to make it available to NATO, for 2024.

Bulgaria will participate with two ships, France with a patrol aircraft and a team of EOD specialists, and Belgium and the USA with underwater drones and an EOD team.

Commander Nicu Chirea, commander of the exercise: It is precisely with these exercises that we seek to develop what we know in the field of combating mines. It is one of our missions and we act on it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Reporter: "Poseidon" also includes a sequence of cooperation between institutions in case of collective accidents and calamities with multiple victims, in which several structures from the national defense system will participate, in Constanta Military Port.

Translated by: Radu Matei