Island-class patrol boats arrive in Ukraine
Two Island-class patrol boats aboard cargo ship Ocean Grand. (Photo: Ukrainian Navy via Facebook)
Two former US Coast Guard Island-class patrol boats destined for the Ukrainian Navy have arrived at the port of Odessa.
The Ukrainian Navy announced the arrival of the two cutters in a 23 November Facebook post, adding that the pair would soon begin operations in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
Ukrainian sailors recently completed training with the US Coast Guard, readying them to operate the Island-class boats.
Delivery of the boats builds on years of support from the US into developing Ukraine’s military capabilities following the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea.
The Island-class boats have been supplied to Ukraine under the US Excess Defence Articles programme, typically used to modernise partner armed forces with surplus US defence equipment.
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Ukraine has requested a total of five Island-class boats, including the four already delivered.
Last week, Shephard reported on progress on UK efforts to support Ukraine’s naval development in the form of loans worth up to £1.7 billion ($2.29 billion), to cover the procurement of second-hand Sandown-class minehunters, eight new missile ships, the development of naval bases, a frigate capability, and weapons.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.