The movement of forces to Romania, a number of strikes in the Black Sea ships of the opponent, returning to the home base – this was briefly the participation of the Marine Rocket Unit in the Natov exercises "Sea Shield '26". The script assumed the opposition to the attack that the enemy had brought upon the east flank of the Alliance from water and air.
The Black Sea is 1 of the hottest waters in the planet today. After Russia's attack on Ukraine, a large part of it was included in the war effort. The echoes of the conflict besides scope neighbouring countries, for example in the form of drifting mines. At the same time, the Russians are trying to show strength towards the surrounding NATO states. The Alliance doesn't want to fall behind. Hence, projects specified as “Sea Shield”.
Under that name they hide cyclical exercises organised by the Romanian Navy. This year's edition was attended by over 2.5 1000 soldiers from 12 countries. Almost 50 ships and auxiliary vessels went out to sea, planes and helicopters went into the air, and respective twelve different types of combat vehicles were operated in coastal areas. Drones were besides utilized during maneuvers. The Black Sea Basin countries, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey, were primarily active in the Sea Shield, but another allies, the USA, Canada, France, Germany and Italy, joined the exercise. Among them was the Polish Navy.
A combat module was sent to the Black Sea from Marine Rocket Unit. It consisted of nearly 10 different types of vehicles and respective twelve soldiers. “We defeated the way between Poland and Romania with a combined method,” recalls Lieutenant Filip Szymanski, deputy commander of 2nd MJR squadron. – From the home base in Siemirowice we moved to the airport. There the vehicles boarded the Ukrainian aircraft An-124 Ruslan, who moved us to Romania. The flight was part of the NATO strategical Transport Program SALIS," explains the officer. Through global agreements, the Alliance can usage civilian machinery that it sends to the associate States if necessary.
After landing in Romania, Polish launchers, command and support carts already on their own wheels moved towards the base in Mangalia. On a regular basis there is 508 Brzegowy Rocket Squadron, which will shortly have the same equipment as MJR. The Romanian Ministry of Defence has already signed a suitable contract and is waiting for its implementation. Meanwhile, Romanian soldiers went to Norway for specialist training.
The screenplay “Sea Shield ‘26” assumed that Romania was attacked from the Black Sea side. NATO forces operating at sea, land and air were to halt the invasion and push the enemy distant at a safe distance. During the exercise we worked with Romanian rocket ships. Their crews provided us with information about the goals beyond the horizon, after which we performed simulated rocket strikes together – explained Mr Szymanski. This episode lasted a full of 3 days. “All tasks have been accomplished,” said the officer. After the maneuvers were completed, the MJR combat module returned to its home base in the same way as it left it.
Mr Szymanski stressed that participation in specified projects is of large importance to the individual. “First of all, we are demonstrating our opportunities internationally. We show that we stay ready for immediate spread to any part of Europe and to carry out the tasks assigned to us. And this is crucial not only in the context of Poland, but besides in the context of NATO as a full – he points out. global exercises are besides an chance to bond with allies. Operation on the basis of common procedures, collecting of communication systems and information exchange.
MJR is 1 of the newest units of the Polish army. It forms part of the 3 Fleets of Ships and features NSM anti-ship launchers (with Naval Strike Missile) of the Norwegian company Kongsberg with a scope of about 200 km. Servants in Siemirovice were investigating their skills during combat shootings in Norway, as well as a number of allied exercises in Estonia, Sweden, that Romania or even Iceland. conflict modules were transferred to the site by air or sea – on board transport and mine ships of the Lublin type.
Meanwhile, the coastal rocket artillery will shortly be expanded. In 2023 Poland ordered equipment for 2 further MJRs. Deliveries are planned from 2026 to 2032. 3 units will form Naval Rocket Brigade.
