Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Bulgarian Navy has destroyed nine floating mines in Bulgarian territorial waters. This was stated by Fleet Admiral Radko Penev, commander of combat and auxiliary ships, during the next activation of the Naval Mine Action Group in the Black Sea, which ensures the cleanliness of Bulgaria's waterways from sea mines, epicenter.bg summarized.
Since the beginning of the activations, no real floating mines have been destroyed, only mine-like objects have been discovered, Fleet Admiral Penev pointed out and added that the Navy needs additional mine-fighting ships. This could happen after the signing of the memorandum between Bulgaria, Belgium and the Netherlands for the acquisition of most likely seven ships. If this agreement is signed, the first vessel may arrive in a few months.
A sea mine can be active for decades and the Navy is constantly searching for such objects. They are dangerous because they are noticed at the last moment and the ships do not have the opportunity to react, and therefore the water areas need to be monitored continuously, including with helicopters, added Radko Penev.
Bulgaria is participating in the activation of the Naval Mine Action Group with the base minesweeper “Priboy” and officers. This time it is under the command of the Turkish Navy and will end on April 5. The next activation will be in July, with our country taking over the command.