NATO's Breeze Drill Kicks Off in Black Sea

Naval exercise Breeze 2016 begins on Friday in Bulgaria's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, involving several alliance member states.

As many as 25 military vessels, two aircraft and two helicopters, and 1700 troops of NATO countries will take part in the drill which will continue through to July 17.

States taking part include Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Turkey, and Spain, but the exercise is open to all NATO members.

The training is aimed at preparing the Bulgarian navy for a coalition-led naval operation and improving coordination in crisis response, the Defense Ministry says.