Overview
- Ukraine formally took possession of the ex‑Royal Netherlands minehunter HNLMS Makkum, which was commissioned as Henichesk Monday in a flag‑raising ceremony led by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa.
- The transfer brings Ukraine’s fleet of Western-supplied mine countermeasure ships to five, joining the Sandown‑class Cherkasy and Chernihiv and the Alkmaar‑class Melitopol and Mariupol.
- The Alkmaar/Tripartite design received modern upgrades including the Atlas Elektronik INCMS command system, Thales 2022 Mk III hull sonar, and SeaFox and Double Eagle remotely operated vehicles for remote mine detection and neutralization.
- Turkey’s enforcement of the Montreux Convention wartime rules prevents the newly handed‑over ship from entering the Black Sea, so Henichesk will remain based in the UK for training, maintenance, and coalition exercises.
- The transfer, coordinated through the Maritime Capabilities Coalition, deepens interoperability with NATO partners and positions Ukraine to lead post‑conflict mine clearance that will reopen ports and improve safety for civilian shipping.