Ukraine has received the minesweeper Zr. Ms. Makkum of the Alkmaar class from the Netherlands. In the Ukrainian Navy, the vessel will be renamed “Henichesk”, in honor of a ship lost in June 2022, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
Ukraine is building new mine countermeasures fleet within international support program
The new ship is expected to participate in the Sea Breeze exercises in 2027 and will contribute to strengthening Ukraine’s naval mine warfare capabilities.
After the war ends, these vessels are planned for large-scale demining operations and for restoring safe navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Mission: clearing naval mine threats and protecting shipping lanes
The primary mission of Alkmaar-class minesweepers is to detect and neutralize naval mines, as well as to protect naval formations in mine-threatened areas.
The ships can also support maritime operations, including clearing coastal zones ahead of potential amphibious scenarios. They are also used to locate submerged objects that pose a navigation hazard.
Hull and sensor technologies reduce risk in minefields
The hulls are built from non-magnetic materials, including polyester-based fiberglass, reducing vulnerability to magnetic mines. The superstructures are made of lightweight alloys.
The ships are equipped with a hull-mounted sonar system for detecting underwater objects, as well as remotely operated underwater vehicles for identifying and neutralizing threats.
An integrated combat management system fuses sensor data and coordinates mine countermeasure operations in real time.
SeaFox underwater drones enable remote mine neutralization
The ships carry light self-defense weapons, including heavy machine guns.
The primary mine-disposal tool is the SeaFox underwater drone, which identifies and destroys mines using a controlled explosive charge. In complex cases, divers can be deployed for specialized operations.
