As of June 2026, Ukraine’s Navy will have five modern mine countermeasure vessels transferred by the United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands.
According to the Office of the President, the new ships will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities in maritime demining and the security of the Black Sea waters.
The first vessels to join the Ukrainian Navy, in January 2023, were two British Sandown-class minehunters — Cherkasy (formerly HMS Shoreham) and Chernihiv (formerly HMS Grimsby).
Both ships were named after Ukrainian minesweepers that resisted during the occupation of Crimea in 2014.
Vessels of this class are known for their high manoeuvrability and low magnetic signature, enabling them to effectively detect and neutralise mines. Their crews were trained in the United Kingdom and certified in line with NATO standards.
The ships have already taken part in international exercises, including Sea Breeze and Joint Warrior.
In June 2025, Ukraine also received two Alkmaar-class mine countermeasure vessels — Melitopol from Belgium and Mariupol from the Netherlands.
They are equipped with modern sonar systems and unmanned underwater vehicles for detecting and destroying naval mines. The names of the ships symbolise temporarily occupied Ukrainian cities and underscore the country’s commitment to restoring its territorial integrity.
The fifth vessel, to be named Henichesk, is currently in the final stages of preparation in the Netherlands. It is expected to be an Alkmaar-class minehunter (Zr. Ms. Makkum) transferred to Ukraine. Its crew is already undergoing training ahead of delivery.
After training is completed, all five vessels will be temporarily based in the United Kingdom. In the future, they will become a key component of Ukraine’s mine countermeasure forces and play an important role in restoring the safety of maritime routes after the end of hostilities.
- During a visit to the Netherlands, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ukrainian servicemen training on an Alkmaar-class vessel and presented them with awards. As reported, the Netherlands will fully train the crew and transfer the ship to Ukraine in June.