site.btaRegional Special Operations Command Headquarters Declares Initial Operational Capability

An official ceremony for the declaration of initial operational capability of the Headquarters of the regional special operations component command was held in Targu Mures, Romania, the press centre of the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday. The ceremony was attended by Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Major General Yavor Mateev. The certification of the headquarters is within the framework of the initiative to establish a regional component command of special operations between the JCSO of the Bulgarian Army and the special operations forces command of Romania. It takes place in the framework of the NATO multinational exercise Steadfast Duel 2024, part of which is conducted with the participation of JSOC troops on the territory of Romania from October 21 to 30.

For the first time Bulgaria, together with Romania, becomes part of the NATO Special Operations Forces command structure. Bulgaria provides 33% of the regional special operations component command and contributes with two special operations tactical groups. They will assume combat duty as part of NATO's highest readiness force in the Black Sea region.

During his visit, Major General Yavor Mateev visited the headquarters of the special operations forces command of Romania in Targu Mures, where talks of mutual interest were held with the Romanian Special Forces leadership. He also participated in the celebration of the Armed Forces Day and congratulated his Romanian counterparts, underlining the excellent cooperation between the two countries.