Ukraine is set to receive a mine hunter ship of the Alkmaar class from the Netherlands in June, as confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The announcement follows a meeting on April 16 between Zelensky and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in Vlissingen, where they observed Ukrainian military personnel training on the vessel.
According to the President’s Office, the Ukrainian crew is currently training with various types of underwater drones designed for the detection, identification, and neutralization of mines. Many of the sailors possess real combat experience, including naval operations.
“The Netherlands will fully prepare the crew and will transfer the ship to Ukraine in June. It will be named ‘Henichesk’ in honor of our vessel lost during a combat mission in June 2022 near the Kinburn Spit,” Zelensky stated.
The ship is expected to participate in the Sea Breeze exercises in 2027. This vessel marks the fifth ship that Ukraine will receive as part of its efforts to bolster its naval capabilities. The first four vessels were provided by the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands, named ‘Cherkasy,’ ‘Chernihiv,’ ‘Mariupol,’ and ‘Melitopol.’ Two of these are Sandown-class vessels, while the future ‘Henichesk’ belongs to the Alkmaar class.
All five ships will initially be stationed in the United Kingdom and, following the conclusion of the ongoing conflict, will engage in mine clearance operations, thereby significantly enhancing the capabilities of the Ukrainian Navy, as noted by the President’s Office.
President Zelensky’s visit to the Netherlands on April 16 follows his trip to Italy.
Ukraine is preparing to receive a mine hunter ship from the Netherlands, enhancing its naval capabilities amid ongoing conflict. The vessel, named after a lost ship, is part of a broader effort to strengthen Ukraine's maritime operations.