The largest multinational exercise organized by the Romanian naval forces Sea Shield has started in Romania, Radio Romania reports.

More than 2,200 servicemen and 135 ships, aircraft and vehicles from 12 allied and partner countries are taking part in the exercise.

The opening ceremony took place today in the port of Constanta.

The 9th edition of the multinational Sea Shield exercise involves troops and equipment from Bulgaria, France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Great Britain, Moldova, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Turkey, the USA and Romania.

The Sea Shield exercise focuses on training in all areas of warfare and aims to increase interoperability between participating forces.

"We have to work out operational procedures in the anti-submarine, surface and air environment, in the Black Sea, as well as in the river area of responsibility," said Vice Admiral Mihai Panait, Chief of Staff of the Romanian Navy.