Netherlands donating two minehunters to Ukraine
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.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Lockheed Martin strengthens Spanish SPY-7 radar supply chain
The global defence giant chose a Spanish firm for its work on the Bonifaz-class frigate.
-
Oostende mine countermeasures vessel begins sea trials
The first vessel in the Belgian-Dutch rMCM mine-clearing fleet, the Oostende, has begun its sea trials before officially entering service in 2025.
-
US Navy places $312 million contract with Textron Systems for landing craft
Textron’s latest order for Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) follows on from a contract placed in August 2023 for five LCAC.
-
Japan to boost surface fleet with new destroyers and missile ships
Japan is enhancing its naval capabilities with the construction of the 13DDX advanced destroyer and Aegis System Equipped Vessels (AESV), aiming to strengthen its air and missile defence amid increasing security threats, particularly in East Asia.