The Naval Forces of Ukraine are ready to join an international mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz with at least two mine countermeasure vessels, Navy Spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said. The vessels involved have crews that have already completed training and NATO interoperability assessments, ArmyInform reports.
Earlier, The Times wrote that Ukrainian minehunters currently based in Portsmouth, the UK, could join a mission led by the UK and France.
The main objective of the operation is to restore maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by hostilities involving Iran.
30 countries, one headquarters, one decision: new naval coalition is forming
Ukrainian officers will also take part in a multinational summit at the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) in Northwood, the UK.
Representatives from more than 30 countries are expected to discuss the resources and capabilities that can be deployed to protect shipping and neutralize mine threats.
Hunting invisible threat
According to Pletenchuk, the primary task of Ukrainian vessels is to detect, identify, and neutralize mines using modern systems, including remotely operated underwater drones.
“All ships are equipped with the appropriate modern systems,” he emphasized.
Ukrainian naval personnel have unique experience in mine clearance under combat conditions, particularly in the Black Sea, and regularly refine these skills during Sea Breeze exercises.
“We are one of the few countries with real combat experience in mine clearance,” the Navy spokesperson claimed.
Five ships: partners shaping Ukraine’s Navy
As of June 2026, Ukraine’s Navy will operate five mine countermeasure vessels provided by partners — the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Currently based in Britain, these ships will become a key element in clearing the Black Sea and strengthening Ukraine’s maritime security after the war.
One of the ships is “Henichesk”, named in honor of a ship lost in June 2022. Ukraine has received it from the Netherlands.
