Over 2,300 troops from Romania and 11 allied nations—Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, the US, and Turkey—will participate in the Sea Shield 25 military exercise from March 31 to April 11. The exercise will be held in the Black Sea, along the Danube River, and in coastal regions.
This multinational event, organized by the Romanian Naval Forces, is the most complex training exercise of the year, aimed at improving interoperability among allied and partner naval forces while enhancing coordination with national defense, public order, and security agencies.
Sea Shield 25 will unfold in two phases: the first week focuses on national and interinstitutional drills, and the second week includes international cooperation. The training will cover various combat environments, including maritime, riverine, coastal, land, and aerial domains. High-complexity scenarios such as simultaneous maritime and aerial attacks, hybrid threats, and asymmetric challenges will be simulated.
Romania will contribute over 1,600 personnel, 28 naval and riverine vessels, two helicopters, and additional military support. International forces will send approximately 500 personnel with four ships, three maritime patrol aircraft, and 20 vehicles. In total, around 150 military assets, including 33 ships, 9 fast boats, 14 aircraft, and 90 ground vehicles, will be involved.
A primary goal of Sea Shield 25 is to strengthen collaboration across naval, air, and ground forces, focusing on the defense of critical coastal infrastructure, protection of maritime communication lines, and amphibious operations.
