For the first time in history, the Ukrainian Navy has received the right to command NATO forces

For the first time in the history of the modern Ukrainian Navy, the unit has been officially included in the NATO maritime mine action management system.

This was announced by the Ukrainian Navy.

During the Ukrainian-American exercises “Sea Breeze 2026”, the mine action headquarters of the 1st division of mine countermeasure ships of the Ukrainian Navy successfully passed the second level assessment according to NATO standards (NATO Evaluation Level, NEL-2). As a result of the long-term tests, the unit received the rating “Fully capable of fulfilling the mission” (Mission Capable).

According to the guiding document “NATO Operational Capability Concept Evaluation and Feedback Program”, the NEL-2 assessment focuses not only on interoperability, as at the first level, but also on the full operational capability of the unit. Successful completion of this level confirms that the unit is capable of performing combat missions according to the standards of the Allied Command Operations Forces Standards.

That is, from now on, Ukraine has the Alliance-confirmed ability to command and control subordinate multinational forces, interact at the level of the Standing NATO Mine Action Group, inclusive, and also perform the full range of mine action missions at sea.

Mission Capable is a complex, multi-level process that requires enormous work. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, in the conditions of the active phase of the war, Ukrainian military sailors have been training for three years, implementing Alliance doctrines and acquiring the necessary capabilities.

“This result is another undeniable proof that the Armed Forces of Ukraine, namely the Naval Forces, are not just deterring the enemy, but also continuing their relentless integration into the Euro-Atlantic security architecture at the level of the best navies in the world.

We are proud of our military sailors! The experience gained is invaluable, because there is still a lot of work ahead to clean up the Black and Azov Seas,” the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine commented.

Earlier, USM reported that Ukrainian strikes are forcing Russia to reconsider its naval blockade tactics.