Ukraine Coast Guard to purchase US boats

In early May a group of USGC specialists will arrive in Ukraine for the final specifications and signing of a contract for the purchase of Island Class patrol boats for the Ukrainian Coast Guard.

According to President Petro Poroshenko, from the very beginning the decision was made on the expediency of signing the  given contract, and a few weeks ago, a group of 36 military seamen was selected who successfully pass the exams and will go to study in Baltimore shortly.

‘Under the preliminary conditions, it is envisaged that these boats will be transferred for free (to  the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine). Although preparation, additional supply of missing parts, transportation will be carried out at the expense of the Ukrainian budget. Preliminary amount will be more than 10 million US dollars,’ the Poroshenko emphasised.

‘Let me refrain from revealing to the enemy the dates, details and features of either the contract, or the boats - their equipment, their combat capabilities. I want to emphasise that I have no doubt that these two boats will be here and contribute to strengthening the defence capabilities of the Ukrainian state,’ the President noted.

Island Class cutters are high-speed vessels that offer an operating radius of almost 1,000 nautical miles.