Ukrainian military personnel are conducting mine-countermeasures operations during the Sea Breeze exercises

Ukrainian military personnel took part in the maritime phase of the international Sea Breeze exercises, which are being held in the United Kingdom. During the exercises, sailors practiced mine clearance in accordance with NATO standards.

This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to the exercise scenario, the Ukrainian headquarters of the tactical group of mine countermeasures ships was tasked with clearing a designated area near the port of Portland of mines. However, due to a sudden change in the situation and the possibility that the enemy had re-mined the waters, the main forces had to be quickly redeployed to another part of the operational area.

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Within a short time, Ukrainian officers developed a new plan of action, identified safe routes, and assigned new tasks to the naval group.

Out at sea, the crews of the mine countermeasure vessels carried out a full cycle of operations: searching for, classifying, identifying, and destroying mine-like objects.

<picture></picture>Ukraine demonstrated a maritime mine-clearing exercise / Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The General Staff noted that the Ukrainian military already has significant practical experience in clearing waterways under combat conditions, which is highly valued by partners. Allies also noted the high level of training among Ukrainian crews.

<picture></picture>Ukraine Demonstrates Maritime Mine-Clearing Exercises

This year, the Ukrainian headquarters is undergoing a NATO Level 2 Evaluation (NEL-2), which is intended to confirm its interoperability with Alliance forces and its readiness for integration into NATO’s standing mine countermeasures groups.

In addition, the crews of the ships “Mariupol” and “Melitopol” have already successfully passed the relevant assessment, confirming that their procedures, documentation, and training meet NATO standards.

Ships from France, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, and Poland are also participating in the Sea Breeze exercises; they are carrying out missions under the coordination of the Ukrainian command and jointly conducting mine countermeasures operations.

Ірина Глухова