Ukrainian minesweepers are preparing to receive the highest rating of compatibility with NATO countries
15.04.2024 - 16:35
The governments of the Netherlands and Belgium have promised to hand over 3 minesweepers to Ukraine for demining the Black Sea.
The crews of the minesweepers “Chernihiv” and “Cherkasy”, which the Navy of Ukraine received from Great Britain in the fall of 2022, have already undergone training and are in service. Last year, the ship received a first-level compatibility assessment with NATO countries, said the spokesman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Captain 3rd Rank Dmytro Pletenchuk.
The Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine hopes that this year minesweepers will receive the highest rating — the second level of compatibility. This will allow the ships to move to the performance of tasks according to NATO standards.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is waiting for three more anti-mine ships from Western partners. Minesweepers are preparing for transfer by the governments of the Netherlands and Belgium. Ukrainian sailors are already starting to undergo training to work on these ships. In total, Ukraine can already get at least five minesweepers.
As USM recently wrote, the minesweepers “Chernihiv” and “Cherkasy” will temporarily remain at the base of the British Navy. All because of the Montreux Convention, which does not allow the passage of warships through the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles.
