NATO Sea Breeze 2021 | Exercise of 32 NATO forces in the Black Sea amid tension with Russian forces

Defence Redefined

28/06/2021

The NATO exercise Sea Breeze 2021 commences today, June 28, in the Black Sea region. 

“In the Black Sea region, NATO is strengthening deterrence and defence with joint exercises and naval patrols during the upcoming SEA BREEZE 2021 exercise. This is a good example of how Allies and Partners provide unique training opportunities designed for enhanced readiness, improved cooperation and interoperability in the Black Sea region.”

Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 will be held in the exercise, which commenced today and will last until July 23.

Ukraine and the US are co-hosting the exercise in the Black Sea with the participation and support of a total of 32 countries: Albania, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Morocco, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Spain, South Korea, South Korea, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.

Also read: Terrifying forces deployment in the Black Sea – British warships rush to the area – VIDEO

The exercise will focus on multiple operational aspects, such as amphibious operations, ground offensive maneuvers, maritime interdiction operations, air defence operations, special operations, anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue operations.

The exercise will accommodate the largest number of participating countries in the history of NATO Sea Breeze 2021, with more than 30 countries from six continents with a total of 5,000 troops, 32 ships, 40 aircraft and 18 special forces.

Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said earlier that the Russian military would closely monitor the preparation and conduct of large-scale military exercises in Ukraine with the participation of NATO Sea Breeze forces.

“The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation will closely monitor the progress of the Ukrainian-American Sea Breeze exercise with the participation of NATO countries and, if necessary, will adequately respond to the evolving situation in order to ensure the military security of the Russian Federation,” said Konashenkov.

On June 26, the USS Ross entered the Black Sea. It can carry up to 56 Tomahawk missiles with a range of 1,600 km.

“The participation of USS Ross in this year’s Sea Breeze exercise is a real demonstration of US support for Ukraine, which is needed today more than ever,” stated the US Envoy in Ukraine, Christina Queen.

The British destroyer HMS Defender and the Dutch frigate Evertsen have also been in the Black Sea since June 14.

Also read: Black Sea Incident | HMS Defender under warning shots from Su-24 and boats