Every year the scale of training increases, and accordingly, preparation for it begins early. During this time, the participating countries have to discuss and agree on a lot, particularly to determine in advance the plan and course of manoeuvres, the format of participation of participating countries, reconnaissance on the ground, and so on.

The initial planning conference of future exercises has started today. It will last four days, during which participants will discuss in advance the time and place of the Ukrainian-American exercise "Sea Breeze - 2022", training objectives and the list of countries to be invited, draft scenario, management system and form the need in logistics.

Commodore Oleksiy Doskato, head of "Sea Breeze - 2022", Deputy Commander of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The conference is attended by representatives of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other components of the defense sector, representatives of the 6th Fleet of the US Navy, mentors, and participants from other partner countries.

The coronavirus pandemic has been adjusted, so the planning of all practical activities, communication with American partners, and other participants in the training takes place remotely via video. But I am confident that our professionalism and the professionalism of our partners will allow us to perform all tasks successfully.

Commodore Oleksiy Doskato

According to the organisers, this year's training is planned to be held in the classic version, ie, with practical activities at sea, on land, in the air and underwater. In total, more than 60 countries and international organisations received invitations to participate.

It should be noted that every year new countries are interested in the manoeuvres. This indicates their growing popularity. This is important for the Ukrainian side, as since 1997 the Sea Breeze exercise has been one of the main international training events for the Ukrainian Navy. They have become the basis for increasing the interoperability of the national fleet with the forces of Partner countries, improving training and readiness for joint action according to NATO standards.

The next planning conference will take place in March 2022.