Defense Express: Island-type boats will receive Bushmaster cannons and Hydra II missiles
In 2022, the Naval Forces of Ukraine (VMSU) will begin installing American-made weapons on Island-type boats. The commander of the Navy Alexei Neizhpapa told about the new weapons. This is reported by Defense Express.
The commander noted that the Island-type boats will receive artillery installations of 30 mm caliber and missiles. "Now we have a final decision on their completion, some ammunition has already been received, so next year we will start installing these systems on all five boats," Neizhpapa said.
The publication notes that the boats can receive Bushmaster II Mk44 artillery installations of 30 mm caliber. The cannon armament will complement the APKWS complex with Hydra 70 guided missiles.
Neizhpapa said that the Ukrainian fleet should receive five Island-type boats and 12 Mark VI-type boats.
In August, the Defense News publication talked about donations for the Navy. The publication noted that the United States has pledged to donate 5 Island-type boats under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.
In October 2019, the Ocean Freedom vessel delivered two decommissioned Island-type patrol boats to the port of Odessa. The ceremony of handing over the ships was held in March 2018.
