Image source: topwar.ru
The naval forces of Ukraine will be replenished with two more mine defense ships of the Alkmaar type, the Netherlands promises to transfer the minesweepers to the Ukrainian fleet. This was stated by the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Kaisa Ollongren.
The Royal Netherlands Navy plans to transfer two minesweepers from its own composition to the Ukrainian Navy, but not in the near future, and not earlier than 2025. According to Ollongren, first the Dutch fleet will receive new mine-fighting ships, after which it will withdraw a couple of minesweepers and transfer them to Ukraine. But the training of Ukrainian crews for these very ships is planned to begin in the second half of this year.
- the Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands said in a statement.
In addition to minesweepers, the Dutch plan to transfer to Kiev radar systems for detecting drones and equipment for the rapid construction of bridges and crossings. Delivery dates are not called, but it is noted that this equipment will be directly purchased from manufacturers.
Recall that the Ukrainian Navy already has two minesweepers transferred by the UK. The former mine defense ships HMS Ramsy and HMS Blyth turned into the minesweepers M310 "Chernihiv" and M311 "Cherkassy" at the shipyards of Great Britain. To date, both minesweepers are off the coast of Scotland, awaiting passage to the Black Sea. However, the decision on this has not yet been made in Kiev.
