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Ukraine to Receive Dutch Minehunter Henichesk to Strengthen Naval Defense
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![Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko]( "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
-c439b7bd9030ecf9d5a4287dc361ba31.jpg "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
Ukraine is set to receive the minehunter Henichesk from the Netherlands, according to a statement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on April 16.
This transfer marks a significant addition to the country's efforts to secure its maritime borders following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The vessel will play a key role in clearing naval mines and ensuring the safety of sea routes.
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The President noted the importance of this acquisition for the nation's long-term naval strategy.
"This is already the fifth ship in our future mine countermeasure fleet and the second specifically from the Netherlands," Zelenskyy said.
The integration of such vessels is part of a broader international effort to help Ukraine rebuild its naval capabilities.
The delivery of the Henichesk follows previous commitments from international partners to provide specialized ships for mine detection and disposal.
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These vessels are essential for maintaining open shipping lanes and protecting coastal infrastructure. The addition of this second Dutch ship further solidifies the maritime cooperation between the two nations.
On June 27, 2025, it was officially announced that Ukraine’s naval capabilities had expanded with the addition of two Tripartite-class minehunters, renamed Mariupol and Melitopol.
A third Dutch vessel, the Zr.Ms. Makkum, was prepared for transfer and renamed Henichesk to serve as a key asset in the country's future mine countermeasure fleet. Before the handover, a specialized crew of 35 Ukrainian sailors underwent intensive two-month training in the Netherlands to master the ship’s advanced sonar and mine-neutralization systems.
These ships were specifically selected for their unique hulls made of reinforced polyester, which allowed them to navigate minefields without triggering magnetic sensors. The transfer, completed under the framework of the Maritime Capabilities Coalition, aimed to ensure the long-term safety of shipping lanes following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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