The 8th Activation of the MCM BLACK SEA Task Group began on January 9, 2026, with the assembly of the Turkish command ship TCG Ütğm. Arif Ekmekçi (A-575), the Romanian minehunter ROS Ion Ghiculescu (M-270), the Bulgarian minesweeper BGS Priboy (M-63), and the Turkish minehunter TCG Ayvalık (M-267) in Umuryeri, Istanbul.

On January 10, 2026, the ships departed from Umuryeri to begin their mission, which aims to detect and neutralize drifting mines in the Black Sea and to conduct joint training exercises.

During the activation period, which will continue until January 19, 2026, the ships will also conduct port visits to Burgas and Constanta, in addition to their maritime training activities.