site.btaMine Countermeasures Require High-tech Solutions, Navy Commander Says

Mine countermeasures are a complex activity and require high-tech solutions, Navy Commander Kiril Mihaylov said on Wednesday. According to him, in the modern world the advantage lies with those who have better equipment and technological capabilities, which is why the Navy strives to keep pace with the times.

"In recent years, the Navy has acquired numerous autonomous underwater vehicles, mainly for surveying the seabed in search and detection of mines," Mihaylov added. According to him, the fleet also has specialised devices for their neutralization, including some produced by Bulgarian companies following the instructions of military specialists. "So we are rearming and striving to keep up with modern trends, both in the detection and destruction of mines," the Rear Admiral said. He added that the Bulgarian Navy is sought after for advice and exchange of experience, as unfortunately the war has placed it in conditions that have led to the acquisition of new knowledge and skills that other navies do not possess.

"The past year was, like the previous ones, relatively difficult for the Naval Forces," Mihaylov reported. He noted with satisfaction that during this period no drifting mines reached the Bulgarian coast. At the same time, the number of drones washed ashore by the sea or found near the Bulgarian coast increased, and these had to be destroyed, the Rear Admiral said. He stressed that the danger from mines has not passed and that the Naval Forces are doing everything possible to ensure safe navigation. "Our ships and helicopters continuously conduct surveillance, survey maritime areas and respond to every signal received about a mine-like object, so that there is not the slightest doubt that we have checked everything and can guarantee the safety of ships, fishermen and the people we expect to come and spend their holidays on our Black Sea coast," Mihaylov commented. He also underlined that the fleet monitors for oil spills or other pollution at sea, and none have been recorded so far.

The Rear Admiral expressed satisfaction that the Naval Forces are attracting increased interest from young people. "We frequently discuss staffing issues with the Naval Academy, as personnel are the most important factor," Mihaylov added. He specified that there is still a shortage of personnel in the fleet, with the largest deficit among officers. According to the Rear Admiral, the competitions held last year for sailors attracted many applicants, with four to five candidates competing for each position.

In July, the Naval Forces are set to assume for a second time command of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Group, established by Bulgaria, Romania and Turkiye, Mihaylov recalled. He highlighted that the first six-month command by Bulgaria was extremely successful and expressed confidence that Bulgarian sailors will once again carry out their tasks with dignity and professionalism.

Regarding the acquisition of minehunters from the Netherlands and Belgium, the commander said that the procedures on the Bulgarian side have been completed. He expects that this will happen very soon in the other two countries as well, after which the memorandum of understanding can be signed. According to Mihaylov, there is a possibility that the Naval Forces may receive the first of the minehunters as early as this year. He recalled that Bulgaria is expected to receive a total of seven vessels - four from Belgium and three from the Netherlands.

On the occasion of the Day of Valour and Bulgarian Armed Forces Day on May 6, the Navy Commander wished military personnel and their families above all good health. "Let them not forget that being a serviceman requires a great deal. It is no coincidence that servicemen wear ranks and have sworn in the name of the homeland to defend it and, if necessary, to give their lives in its defence. This must always be remembered, because our work is such that it becomes visible only when a crisis arises and difficult times come. I sincerely hope that we will not have to demonstrate in practice, in a military situation, what we are capable of," the Navy Commander said.