The Romanian Naval Forces have a new minehunter

M 271 "Captain Constantin Dumitrescu" Minehunter, which has recently entered the service of the Romanian Naval Forces, will significantly contribute to ensuring the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, in an increasingly complex maritime security context, marked by the presence of drifting sea mines.

Formerly HMS PEMBROKE in the British Royal Navy, M 271 is the second ship delivered to Romania based on the Government-to-Government agreement concluded between Romania and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The presentation of the ship and the crew took place on Friday, November 7th, in Constanța Military Port. The activity was attended by the Minister of National Defence, Liviu-Ionuț Moșteanu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghiță Vlad.

Minister of National Defence has mentioned that the ship significantly increases the Romanian Naval Forces’ combat capability. He recalled that, 20 out of 70 procurement programs currently being run by the Romanian Armed Forces are intended for the navy, including mobile anti-ship missile launch systems, maritime tugs, helicopters equipped with surface combat capabilities, and assault amphibious vehicles for the marine infantry.

The Chief of Defence Staff appreciated that "the 4,000 nautical mile march of Captain Constantin Dumitrescu Minehunter was not just a sea voyage, but a demonstration of professionalism, resilience and team spirit of the Romanian soldiers. These people represent the Romanian Armed Force’s real strength. The ship's arrival in the Port of Constanța strengthens our action capacity in the Black Sea and contributes to consolidating NATO's defensive posture on the eastern flank." 

Today, the Ministry of National Defence leadership also visited "Mircea cel Bătrân" Naval Academy, where they had a meeting with students and teaching staff.

The Press Office