UK to transfer two minehunters to Ukraine as it launches maritime support plan

An undated recently taken hand out photograph received on March 28, 2003.shows the Sandown Class Minehunter HMS RAMSEY (M110), sailing from HM Naval Base Portsmouth en-route to the Gulf. REUTERS/Jack Russell/HO MD/jv reuters_tickers

LONDON (Reuters) – Britain said on Monday it would transfer two Royal Navy minehunter ships to the Ukrainian Navy, as it sets up a new maritime defence coalition alongside Norway to help strengthen Ukraine’s sea operations.

Britain said the two Sandown Class mine countermeasures vessels will enable Ukraine to better counter the threat from Russian sea mines, aiming to restore Ukraine’s export routes via the Black Sea.

The transfer of the vessels was announced alongside the launch of the Maritime Capability Coalition set up by Britain and Norway to improve Ukraine’s navy to make it more compatible with western allies and increase security in the Black Sea.

“This capability boost marks the beginning of a new dedicated effort by the UK, Norway and our allies to strengthen Ukraine’s maritime capabilities over the long term,” British defence minister Grant Shapps said in a statement.

After the United States, Britain has been the second-largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine since the war started in February 2021. London has also provided military training courses to around 20,000 Ukrainians over the past year.

(Reporting by Sarah Young, Editing by Kylie MacLellan)