Türkiye Takes Over Command of Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Naval Group

Türkiye has taken over command of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Naval Group, assuming leadership of a multinational naval framework tasked with addressing mine threats and safeguarding maritime navigation in the Black Sea.

According to official statements by the Turkish Naval Forces, Romanian Naval Forces, and Bulgarian Naval Forces, the handover of command was carried out under the group’s rotational leadership arrangement, with Türkiye taking over from Romania.

The task group’s mandate is limited to mine countermeasures, including the detection, identification, and neutralisation of naval mines that pose risks to commercial shipping and naval operations. Participating navies have underlined that the group’s activities are technical and defensive in nature, focused exclusively on maritime safety.

Senior naval commanders from Türkiye, Romania, and Bulgaria met in Istanbul as part of the command transition. Official readouts indicate that discussions centred on operational coordination, information sharing, and the scheduling of joint mine countermeasure activities during Türkiye’s command period.

Under Turkish command, the task group is expected to continue coordinated patrols, exercises, and technical cooperation aimed at mitigating mine-related risks in the Black Sea. Naval authorities stressed that the initiative operates within a regional cooperation framework and does not alter existing security arrangements.

The command handover comes amid continued concern over drifting and unexploded naval mines in the Black Sea, which have periodically disrupted maritime traffic. Officials emphasised that sustained coordination among the participating navies remains essential to maintaining freedom of navigation, trade routes and maritime safety.