According to information published by the Dutch MoD on March 14, 2023, the Netherlands intends to provide Ukraine with two Alkmaar-class minehunters, starting in 2025.
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Alkmaar class minehunter Haarlem. (Picture source: Dutch MoD)
Ukraine will also receive drone detection radar systems and M3 bridge and ferrying systems that enable rapid bridge building. This materiel is being purchased directly from industry partners.
Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren made an announcement to that effect in Ukraine. Over the past couple of days, Ollongren has been visiting the heavily bombed port cities of Mykolayiv and Odesa in the south of the country together with her Ukrainian counterpart Oleksii Reznikov.
Reznikov and Ollongren discussed fortification of the coastal defences and the importance of safe passage, maritime security, and protection for merchant ships carrying grain. In the Black Sea, Russia has laid a great many sea mines that hinder a safe passage. Ukraine intends to clear those mines after the war.
The Netherlands has extensive maritime expertise, including the skills to disarm sea mines. Ollongren stated that the minehunters and training for Ukrainian crews will contribute to security on the Black Sea and in Europe, as well as to global food security. Furthermore, our contribution will also support the Ukrainian armed forces in their transition to Western weapon systems and NATO standards.
The Royal Netherlands Navy is replacing its minehunters with new mine countermeasures vessels. The intended delivery of two minehunters to Ukraine will take place once the replacement capabilities have been realised.
This is expected to commence in 2025. Ukrainian crews will already start their training in the second half of 2023. The Netherlands will carry out the training, together with Belgium and possibly other allies.
About the Alkmaar class minehunters
With a displacement of 536 tons (empty) and 605 tons (full load), the Alkmaar minehunter measures 51.5 meters (169 feet) in length and 8.96 meters (29.4 feet) in beam.
Her height of 18.5 meters (61 feet) and a draught of 3.6 meters (12 feet) allow her to operate effectively in shallow waters, a key requirement for mine countermeasure operations.
Propulsion for the minehunter is provided by a combination of a 1370 kW Werkspoor RUB 215 V12 diesel engine, two 180 kW ACEC active rudders, and a HOLEC bow propeller. These systems enable the vessel to achieve a top speed of 15 knots (28 km/h) and a range of 3,000 nautical miles (5,600 km) at 12 knots (22 km/h).
The vessel's complement consists of 4 officers, 15 non-commissioned officers, and 17 sailors, reflecting a lean and efficient crew structure. To aid in mine countermeasure operations, the minehunter is equipped with two rigid-hulled inflatable boats and a PAP 104 remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV).
