Anti-mine ships of the Naval Forces of Ukraine “Cherkasy” and “Chernihiv” became the first vessels that, after the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia, received an official assessment of compatibility with NATO procedures and standards. About this informs the press service of the Armed Forces Navy.
The department reported that both minesweepers handed over to Ukraine by Great Britain have successfully passed the first level assessment according to the standards of the Alliance. “Chernihiv” and “Cherkasy” have become participants in the compatibility verification program, which paves the way for the next stage — second-level evaluation (NEL2). After passing it, the ships will be able to participate in multinational operations and NATO missions.
The Navy Command emphasizes that in the current security environment, the process of integrating Ukrainian units into NATO standards is extremely important, as it increases the overall level of training and efficiency. The NATO Operational Capabilities Concept Review and Feedback Program plays a key role in this process. Its main task is a practical assessment of the level of readiness of units of partner countries for joint actions with the forces of the Alliance.
“Participation in this Program contributes to increasing the combat capability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their integration into the NATO collective security system.” – said the Navy.
It will be recalled that the warships of the “Sandown” class – the former HMS “Grimsby” and HMS “Shoreham”, which served in the Royal Navy for more than two decades, were handed over to Ukraine in 2024. They received new names – “Chernigiv” and “Cherkasy”. Before the transfer, the ship underwent training at the base in Portsmouth after leaving Scotland.
Under the terms of the Montreux Convention, ships cannot temporarily enter the waters of the Black Sea, as the document prohibits the passage of warships through the Bosphorus Strait during hostilities.
