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Over 20 Countries Launch Sea Breeze Naval Exercise With Ukrainian Minehunters in UK
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The maritime phase of the annual multinational Sea Breeze military exercise has begun in Portland, UK, bringing together over 20 countries.
The list of participating nations includes Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Latvia, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), according to the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on July 14.
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The Ukrainian Navy has deployed five mine countermeasure vessels, which are currently based in British waters, to participate in the maneuvers.
The primary focus of this maritime phase is mine countermeasure operations, an effort that remains highly critical due to both historical naval combat and modern security challenges, such as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Participating forces will focus on detecting and neutralizing naval mines. The drills will utilize dedicated minehunters, explosive ordnance disposal teams, diving and salvage units, and both unmanned underwater and surface vehicles.
These exercises allow NATO and partner nations to improve interoperability and maritime readiness while strengthening capabilities relevant to Black Sea security. The scope of training covers staff planning, command and control, and tactical tasks, with a strong emphasis on integrating diverse systems and capabilities across a complex, multi-domain battlespace.
For the Ukrainian crew, clearing sea mines is a daily operational task aimed at maintaining maritime safety, preserving the freedom of civilian shipping, and supporting the nation's economic resilience. Ukrainian sailors continue to accumulate valuable combat experience and are prepared to share their expertise with international partners.
During this phase, a tactical mine action group headquarters will undergo an assessment as part of the NATO Operational Capabilities Concept Evaluation and Feedback Program (OCC E&F). The evaluation will focus on an underwater mine clearance team and two Alkmaar-class minehunters, the Mariupol and the Melitopol.
For the first time, the Genichesk minehunter will also participate in the tactical group. This Alkmaar-class vessel was recently transferred to the Ukrainian Navy from the Netherlands.
The multinational Sea Breeze naval exercise has begun in Portland, UK, involving over 20 countries and 5 Ukrainian mine countermeasure vessels.
Last year’s naval component of Sea Breeze 2025 included participation from 22 nations, including NATO member states and partner countries, reflecting the broad coalition committed to maritime security and regional stability.
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