Ukraine to acquire Sandown minehunters, eight missile boats from UK
The Ukrainian MoD, Babcock and the UK government signed a Memorandum of Implementation on 21 June. (Photo: Babcock)
The UK has stepped up efforts to bolster Ukraine’s navy with a comprehensive agreement covering new ships, training, and the regeneration of naval facilities.
The Ukrainian Navy is set to receive two of the UK's Sandown-class minehunters and eight Babcock-developed missile boats following a tripartite Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) signed in Odessa by the Ukrainian MoD, the UK government and Babcock.
The deal also paves the way for the potential sale of Babcock's Arrowhead 140 frigate design to Ukraine – while the UK shipbuilder did not mention this platform by name, it alluded to it when referring to plans to deliver a 'modern frigate capability'.
The MoI was signed on 21 June in Odessa aboard the Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How will the Canadian Coast Guard’s transfer to the DND umbrella affect its capabilities?]()
How will the Canadian Coast Guard’s transfer to the DND umbrella affect its capabilities?
By joining the defence department, the coast guard will need to acquire new solutions and adapt its in-service capabilities to ensure interoperability with the Canadian Armed Forces.
-
![UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration]()
UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration
The Type 26 will also be fitted with the Sea Ceptor vertically launched air defence system that can fire CAMM missiles and a 24-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system that can fire the Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, anti-submarine rockets and long-range anti-ship missiles.
-
![Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026]()
Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026
While the first Joint Support Ship is currently in the final stages of outfitting, the second one is on schedule for launching next year.
-
![Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?]()
Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?
South Korean shipbuilders are beginning to make their mark beyond Asia, competing for major North American and European submarine programmes and becoming serious contenders on a global scale.
-
![AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official]()
AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official
Few concrete ideas have emerged so far on which “advanced capabilities” will be brought forward under Pillar 2 of the AUKUS partnership, but the Pentagon’s review of the programme could bring more clarity.
