Ukrainian Navy says it will get US Navy Mark VI patrol boats in 2022
The Ukrainian Naval Forces are expected to get U.S.-made Mark VI patrol boats this year to protect the waters of the Azov and Black Seas, the Ukrainian Navy’s press service wrote on Facebook on Feb. 9.
Ukraine may receive over 10 new vessels in total, primarily for patrol duties, but their speed, armaments, and other characteristics may allow them to be used for other mission assignments as well.
“If necessary, these models can deliver an armed inspection team or special forces of 10-12 people on board an offending vessel at a speed of more than 30 knots,” the Ukrainian Navy wrote.
“A 30mm automatic cannon will ensure a safe approach to the target.”
“Additionally, the boat will be equipped with modern missile weapons, which, according to their characteristics, are capable of inflicting significant damage to the enemy not only of their class, but also of a larger one,” reads the report.
A spokesman for Naval Command told the Defense Ministry’s ArmyInform information agency that Ukrainian sailors would undergo additional training in the United States to serve on Mark VI patrol boats.
In June 2020, the U.S. Department of State approved the sale of up to 16 Mark VI patrol boats to Ukraine, as well as naval armaments worth $600 million.
In October 2021, the U.S. Department of Defense signed a contract with a private company to manufacture six Mark VI patrol boats for transfer to Ukraine. The value of the contract is about $85 million.
The United States has already provided ten separate deliveries of military aid to Ukraine, with more on the way, amid the ongoing threat of a further Russian invasion of the country.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
