Opening Ceremony of Multinational Exercise SEA SHIELD 2026

Opening Ceremony of Multinational Exercise SEA SHIELD 2026

The opening ceremony of Multinational Exercise SEA SHIELD 2026 took place on Monday, March 23rd, in Constanța, in the presence of the Minister of National Defence, Radu Miruță, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghiță Vlad.

In his speech, Minister of National Defence emphasized the strategic importance of the Black Sea region and the essential role of Allied cooperation.

SEA SHIELD represents more than a military training event. It is a demonstration of solidarity, trust and shared responsibility among nations that are committed to safeguarding freedom of navigation and maintaining stability in this strategically important region, minister Radu Miruță stated.

In his turn, the Chief of Defence Staff emphasized the integrated and multinational nature of the exercise.

"The Black Sea region remains essential for our collective defence. Exercises such as SEA SHIELD contribute to enhancing coordination and improving the joint action capacity between naval, air and land forces. At the same time, they demonstrate that we are ready to act jointly, whenever necessary," General Gheorghiță Vlad highlighted.

SEA SHIELD 2026, conducted in the Romanian Naval Forces' area of ​​responsibility, brings together approximately 2,500 soldiers from Romania and 12 other allied and partner states, with naval, air and land capabilities. The training sequences include operations at sea, on the river, in the air and on land, and aim to increase interoperability among the participating structures and strengthen the capacity to respond to current security challenges.

The exercise involves inter-institutional structures, facilitating cooperation between the armed forces and other institutions in the field of national security. The training scenarios target the defence of critical infrastructure, the security of maritime routes, combating asymmetric threats and the management of crisis situations.

In the context of the security environment marked by complex developments in the Black Sea region, SEA SHIELD 2026 contributes to strengthening the deterrence and defense posture on NATO's Eastern Flank, through joint training and scenarios adapted to current risks, including those of hybrid nature.

By organizing SEA SHIELD 2026, the Romanian Naval Forces reconfirm Romania's commitment to strengthening regional security and enhancing cooperation with its Allies and partners.

The Press Office