Minister Tîlvăr’s visit to the Maritime Operations Center of the British Royal Navy

Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvăr, paid a visit to the Maritime Operations Center of the British Royal Navy in Northwood, on Thursday, November 14th.

Representatives of the Center emphasized the essential role of the structure in exercising command and control over all ships, submarines and aircraft operated by the Royal Navy. The Center Commander coordinates anti-submarine warfare operations, acting on behalf of the Fleet Commander, and supports the Chief of Joint Operations in the conduct of other operations at global level.

Minister Angel Tîlvăr emphasized the contributions of the Romanian Naval Forces to maritime security and emphasized the sharp evolution of the maritime dimension in conducting multi-domain operations. He also mentioned the excellent cooperation between Romania and Great Britain, by referring to the purchase of the two mine-hunters, the first of which entered the service of the Romanian Naval Forces last December.

The Romanian official emphasized the lessons learned and the strategic realities highlighted by Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, as well as the need for adaptability to asymmetric warfare, especially in the maritime domain. It also pointed out the use of new technologies to neutralize different types of threats, aspects that are changing the perception of the capabilities needed in modern conflicts. The Romanian official mentioned that these lessons emphasize the urgent need to invest in innovative technologies and adapt the defence capabilities.

Angel Tîlvăr encouraged the enhancement of direct cooperation between the command structures of the Romanian and British Naval Forces, and highlighted the importance of the exchange of best practices and information in getting a complete maritime operational picture.

"This type of cooperation is essential for increasing interoperability between allied naval forces and the effectiveness of joint maritime operations, thus contributing to a better adaptation to the security challenges of the modern maritime environment", the Romanian Minister of National Defence stated.

The need for a continued support to Ukraine was also discussed, emphasizing the Regional Maritime Training Center’s project in Romania, whose establishment was approved by the Romanian Parliament in October.

In the context of the security situation in the Black Sea, the Romanian minister pointed out the success of the MCM Black Sea demining initiative, a regional project conducted together with the Republic of Turkey and Bulgaria. The Task Group's three activations so far have substantially contributed to ensuring freedom of navigation.

On November 13th, TG MCM Black Sea completed specific mine clearance monitoring and survey missions in certain maritime areas of the Black Sea. Minister Tîlvăr emphasized that these actions contribute to ensuring the freedom of navigation and support the enhancement of dialogue and practical cooperation among allies.

In conclusion, the minister reiterated the invitation addressed to Great Britain to participate in the TG MCM Black Sea in 2025, throughout the timeframe Romania will exercise command of the Task Group.

The Press Office