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The United Kingdom has announced the formation of a new Maritime Capability Coalition alongside Norway to deliver long-term support to Ukraine, including training, equipment and infrastructure to enhance security in the Black Sea.
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The UK and Norwegian governments have announced the formation of the Maritime Capability Coalition to bolster Ukraine’s maritime defence in the Black Sea.
With the launch of the coalition, the UK’s Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that Ukraine would procure two Sandown Class mine countermeasure vessels through UK Export Finance.
The announcements are expected to alleviate pressures on the Ukrainian economy, which has been hampered by Russia’s blockade of the Black Sea.
It is hoped that the acquisition will enable the Ukrainian Navy to support the restoration of Ukrainian exports.
Speaking on the announcement, Secretary Shapps explained that the new deal will support the strengthening of Ukrainian naval capability.
“These minehunters will deliver vital capability to Ukraine, which will help save lives at sea and open up vital export routes, which have been severely limited since Putin launched his illegal full-scale invasion,” Secretary Shapps explained.
“This capability boost marks the beginning of a new dedicated effort by the UK, Norway and our allies to strengthen Ukraine’s maritime capabilities over the long term, enhancing their ability to operate in defending their sovereign waters and bolstering security in the Black Sea.”
Secretary Shapps left the door open for future European coalitions to support Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russian invasion.
The UK and Norwegian governments hope the hardware transference will enable the Ukrainian Navy to be more interoperable with NATO.
Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram detailed that the agreement was critical for building local shipbuilding and naval capability.
“The defence of Ukraine is important for Euro-Atlantic security. Now, the United Kingdom, Norway and other countries will support Ukraine in developing their navy,” he detailed.
“Our goal is to contribute to building a lasting Ukrainian naval capability. In the further work, I hope Norway, as a sea-faring nation, can contribute with maritime expertise, new technological solutions and innovative thinking.”
