The Ukrainian Navy received an Alkmaar-type mine-clearing ship from the Netherlands

The Netherlands has handed over an Alkmaar-type mine-clearing ship to Ukraine. Another ship of this class is expected to be delivered by the end of the year. This was announced by the Commander of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa.

The Navy Commander wrote about this after a meeting with a Dutch delegation led by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans and Commander-in-Chief of the Dutch Armed Forces General Onno Eichelsheim. According to him, during the talks, the parties discussed the security situation in the Black Sea region and prospects for further cooperation.

The Alkmaar-class mine countermeasures ship (also known as the Tripartite class in the international classification) is a specialized mine hunter of medium displacement (up to 660 tons at full load), which was jointly developed by the Netherlands, Belgium and France in the 1980s and 1990s. Its main task is to detect and destroy sea mines. The hull of the ship is made of fiberglass (polyester) to minimize the magnetic signature, which is critical for operations near mines.

These ships have been equipped with modern sonar and remotely operated underwater vehicles since 2003, which are used to identify and neutralize mines. Alkmaar-type ships are in service with several NATO countries, and will now also be provided to the Ukrainian Navy to enhance mine safety.

The Commander of the Ukrainian Navy reported that the training of the crew for the new ship is already underway. He emphasized that the assistance of partners allows to increase the effectiveness of the Ukrainian Navy in countering Russian aggression.

Recall that the agreement on the transfer of two Alkmaar-class ships to Ukraine was reached back in 2023 by the then Minister of Defense of Ukraine Reznikov and the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Kajsa Ollongren. At the same time, it was reported that the Netherlands and Belgium would prepare Ukrainian sailors for service on these ships.