The ships are two former Sandown-class MCM vessels of the Royal Navy: Chernihiv (M310) is the former HMS Grimsby (M108), while Cherkasy (M 311) is the ex-HMS Shoreham (M112). The Ukrainian names were given in memory of the Project 266M (NATO: Natya-class) Soviet-built sea going minesweepers serving in the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (WMSU) until 2014, when they were intercepted by Russians attacking Crimea.
A total of 12 Sandown-class MCM vessels were launched and entered service with the Royal Navy between 1988 and 2001. The UK sold three units to Estonia: ex-HMS Sandown M101 (since 2007 Admiral Cowan M313), ex-HMS Inverness M102 (since 2008 Sakala M314), and ex-HMS Bridport M105 (since 2009 Ugandi M315). The Royal Navy will retire the rest of the Sandowns MCM vessels this decade. They will be replaced by unmanned systems currently being tested in the UK.
The transfer of the two minehunters was one of the points of the UNCEP (Ukrainian Naval Capabilities Enhancement Program), adopted in accordance with the memorandum on enhancing cooperation between Ukraine and the UK in the military-technical aspects. Documents on the implementation of maritime partnership projects between the UK industrial consortium and WMSU were signed on June 21, 2021 aboard the HMS Defender Type 45 destroyer, docked on a courtesy visit to Odessa.
On January 27, 2022, Ukraine’s Parliament passed a law “On Ratification of the Framework Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the UK on Official Credit Support for the Development of WMSU Capabilities.” The agreement provides for the provision of official support to the Ukrainian side in the form of loans not exceeding £1.7 billion to finance, among other things:
– purchase of two Sandown-class MCMVs,
– the joint construction of eight Project P50-U missile ships,
– delivery and installation of weapons systems on existing vessels,
– joint construction of a frigate, probably of the Arrowhead 140 class.
Although it was originally reported that ex-HMS Blyth and ex-HMS Ramsey would go to Ukraine, it was decided to transfer ex-HMS Grimsby and ex-HMS Shoreham. They were in a better technical condition than HMS Blyth and HMS Ramsey, which needed major overhauls. Unofficially, it is said that the pair will go to Romania.
Training of Ukrainian crews on the Sandown-class MCM vessels began in July 2022, while the future names of the ships were revealed in September. In January 2023, shipspotters published online the first photos of both ships, already with Ukrainian names and tactical numbers.
Recently, Chernihiv and Cherkasy crews participated in the “Sea Breeze” exercise. The annual maneuvers were held in the Black Sea, irritating Moscow, but due to the current situation, after a one-year break, this year’s edition was held off the coast of Scotland. During the exercise, armaments and military equipment that the WMSU received from partner western countries were used. No less important was the preparation of the Chernihiv and Cherkasy vessels and mine clearance divers groups.
Meanwhile, WMSU spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk announced plans to create a Mine Countermeasures Squadron. Its task is to ensure the safety of navigation in subordinate waters. The new formation would include two Sandown-class MCMVs, as well as another two, this time of the Alkmaar-class, which the Netherlands has offered to donate.
