Ukraine’s New Warship Is Almost Finished in Türkiye—Its First Major Test Comes Next

Ukraine’s second Turkish-built Ada-class corvette, Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi, has entered the final stage of construction in Istanbul, bringing the Ukrainian Navy closer to receiving another modern warship, according to Presidential Office chief Kyrylo Budanov on November 12.

Budanov visited the shipyard in Istanbul to inspect progress on the vessel, which is being built under a naval cooperation program between Ukraine and Türkiye.

“In Istanbul, I inspected the construction of the Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi corvette. Work is in the final stretch,” Budanov wrote.

The official emphasized that the vessel is the second corvette being constructed for the Ukrainian Navy under the supervision of Turkish defense company STM.

During his visit, Budanov also met with the ship’s commander, Captain 2nd Rank Yurii Pyshchyk, and spoke with Ukrainian sailors preparing to operate the warship. According to Budanov, crew training is progressing at full pace as preparations continue for the vessel’s eventual entry into service.

The next milestones will include the corvette’s first voyage, sea trials, and its subsequent handover to Ukraine. No specific dates for these stages were announced during the visit.

The Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi is the second Ada-class corvette ordered by Ukraine, following the Hetman Ivan Mazepa, which was launched in October 2022 and began sea trials in May 2024.

Construction of the second vessel began in October 2022, with its keel laid in August 2023. The warship was launched at a Turkish shipyard on August 1, 2024, before undergoing further outfitting and integration work.

According to STM, the Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi is scheduled for delivery to Ukraine in 2027, although the exact handover date has not been announced.

The Ada-class corvettes are modern multipurpose naval vessels designed for maritime patrols, anti-submarine warfare, and operations against surface threats.

Developed under Türkiye’s MILGEM naval program, the ships incorporate reduced-radar-signature design features alongside advanced surveillance, navigation, and combat systems.

Previously, reports emerged that a group of Ukrainian naval cadets recently concluded a 15-day onboard training program aboard the Hetman Ivan Mazepa, an Ada-class corvette currently stationed in Istanbul.

On the Frontline of Truth

Our reporters work on the frontlines to show what’s really happening in Ukraine. Your support helps them keep reporting.

SUPPORT