site.btaBulgarian and UK Naval Special Forces Hold Joint Training

A joint training exercise between servicepersons from the Naval Special Forces unit of the Bulgarian Navy and personnel from 42 Commando of the United Kingdom's Royal Marines took place from March 18 to 27, 2026, the Bulgarian Defence Ministry's press service said on Friday. During the exercises, held in training areas of the Bulgarian Navy, participants practiced tactics, techniques, and procedures for maritime security operations.

Cooperation between the Royal Marines and the Bulgarian Naval Special Forces has a long-standing history and contributes to improving the servicepersons' skills. The joint training helps build mutual trust and respect for the values and traditions of the two elite military units.

Bulgarian Navy Commander Kiril Mihaylov held a meeting with the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, Nathaniel Copsey, on March 27. The meeting highlighted the long-standing strong cooperation between the Royal Marines and the Bulgarian Naval Special Forces, as well as the successful joint training.

Earlier in the day, Copsey visited the Varna Naval Base, where he met with participants in the training and observed demonstrations of tactical operations for maritime traffic control. During the visit, he officially presented a donation of specialized equipment from the Royal Marines to the Bulgarian naval commandos.

The joint training is part of the Bulgarian Navy’s activity plan and is carried out under a 2007 Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of the United Kingdom and Bulgaria on joint exercises and training.