Sea Shield 2026: Over 2,500 soldiers participate in the largest naval exercise in the Black Sea region.

The multinational and inter-institutional exercise Sea Shield 2026 will take place from March 23 to April 3, in the Black Sea region, with the participation of over 2,500 military personnel from Romania and 12 other countries, including France, Germany, the USA, and Turkey. The Romanian Naval Forces will coordinate this event, which will include activities at sea, on rivers, and in the air, adapted to current security challenges.

48 ships, 64 combat vehicles, 10 aircraft, and 10 unmanned autonomous systems will participate in the exercise. Romania will contribute approximately 1,500 military personnel and 33 ships, including frigates and missile carriers. The purpose of the exercise is to increase interoperability among the participating forces and to enhance security in the Black Sea region, contributing to the stability of NATO's eastern flank.