Netherlands donating two minehunters to Ukraine
Two Alkmaar-class MCMVs will be heading to Ukraine in 2025. (Photo: US DoD)
The Netherlands will also supply Kyiv with drone detection radars and M3 bridge and ferrying systems to enable rapid river crossing.
The Netherlands will donate two Alkmaar-class Tripartite MCMVs to Ukraine starting in 2025, the Dutch defence minister announced during a visit to Ukraine.
Sea mines have become a clear and present danger in the Black Sea, with large numbers deployed in the waters during the course of the Russian invasion.
The Royal Netherlands Navy is replacing its MCMV with a new capability under a joint programme with Belgium.
The delivery of the two tripartite MCMVs to Ukraine will come after the Dutch receive their new capabilities.
Nonetheless, Ukrainian crews will begin training on the ships in the second half of this year.
A total of 45 Tripartite-class minehunters have been built.
Ukraine has also secured two former UK RN Sandown-class minehunters under the Ukrainian Naval Capabilities Enhancement Programme (UNCEP) deal.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover]()
Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover
Alongside progress on its Lionfish contracts, Leonardo emphasised its shift in focus from traditional larger calibre systems toward smaller calibre solutions, epitomised by the X-Gun’s inception in 2017.
-
![Royal Navy welcomes mine-hunting mothership]()
Royal Navy welcomes mine-hunting mothership
RFA Stirling Castle, a 6,000-tonne vessel, will start operations later this year.
-
![Norway’s aim to purchase new frigates may impact Royal Navy’s own fleet production]()
Norway’s aim to purchase new frigates may impact Royal Navy’s own fleet production
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has only so far confirmed that discussions have been taking place with BAE Systems, but a decision has yet to be made, according to The Telegraph.
