Ukraine ‘s MCM capability is being built around two MCM vessels (MCMVs), Cherkasy and Chernihiv – two ex-UK Royal Navy (RN) Sandown-class minehunters, HM Ships Shoreham and Grimsby, which were transferred to Ukraine under the UK/Ukraine/Norway Maritime Capability Coalition (MCC) programme (which was announced in December 2023).
The two ships and their crews are currently stationed at HM Naval Base Portsmouth, UK as their training with RN staff continues.
Both vessels are participating in ‘Sea Breeze’, with the Ukrainian Navy also providing the battlestaff to conduct command and control (C2) of the exercise task group. This group includes Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group 1 (SNMCMG1), a three-ship flotilla led by the German Navy’s Elbe-class replenishment vessel FGS Donau.
‘Sea Breeze’ focuses on interoperability, C2, and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for MCMV operations, plus battlestaff integration. The exercise is run by US 6th Fleet and the Ukrainian Navy, hosted (on this occasion) by the RN, and supported by NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), which commands and controls NATO’s four standing naval forces including SNMCMG1.
Centred around enhancing Ukraine’s MCM capability within a wider context of building maritime security and stability, the exercise mission “is about focusing on a progressively trained and prepared Ukrainian MCM task group staff, capable of tactical planning for MCM operations with allocated forces in line with NATO standards,” Rear Admiral Thomas Wall – a US Navy submariner posted as Commander Submarines, NATO (COMSUBNATO) at MARCOM – said at the exercise’s opening ceremony, in Glasgow on 24 June.
The exercise enables the Ukrainian Navy to demonstrate its emerging capability. However, Commodore Dmytro Kovalenko – head of the navy’s training command – said it was also a chance to practice other elements of what the crews have achieved over the past year.
“It’s more like a practise of the skills and knowledge gained during the courses and training conducted with the UK and other partners,” Cdre Kovalenko told Naval News.
“The main focus is to provide an opportunity for our crews to work according to NATO standards for MCM, and to give them a chance to operate the tactical group together with NATO partners,” he added. “It’s a great chance to boost interoperability between Ukraine and NATO forces by working on procedures and operating the tactical group of ships with Ukrainian staff.”
Commodore Dmytro Kovalenko, Head of the Ukrainian Navy’s Training Command
The navy does not currently have an MCMV capability deployed in the Black Sea. Moreover, following the Russo-Ukraine war erupting in February 2022, Türkiye closed the Bosporus/Dardanelles straits under the 1936 Montreux Convention, meaning that Cherkasy and Chernihiv cannot yet sail to their new home as only ships already homeported in the Black Sea can transit the straits when closed. Instead, Ukraine uses uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) for Black Sea MCM tasks.
Nonetheless, with both protagonists conducting extensive mine laying in the Black Sea, and with NATO having member states and wider strategic interests in the region, the Black Sea de-mining challenge is important. It is something the Ukrainian navy will need to address in the post-war world.
“‘Sea Breeze’ plays a key role in increasing this capability for post-war de-mining of the Black Sea,” Cdre Kovalenko said, at the opening ceremony. “The exercise brings significant interest in the capability of Ukrainian units to conduct MCM.” The ship’s companies are completing training, are further developing knowledge and skills, are improving interoperability with NATO MCM forces, and are ready to perform Black Sea de-mining operations, he added.
Ukraine’s economy relies on the ability to export goods like grain by sea from the port of Odesa, on its southwestern Black Sea coast. In the war, the navy’s MCM activities have been crucial in keeping trade routes open, with over 4,000 ships having used Odesa to date.
“The importance of the Black Sea and the region cannot be underestimated,” Cdre Kovalenko told Naval News. “The mine danger influences not only Ukraine’s trade, economy, and security: it threatens all the countries of the Black Sea region. So, Ukrainian naval forces using MCM capabilities is key for securing the whole region.”
Rear Adm Wall underlined how Ukraine’s MCM capability will be crucial in tackling the mine threat in a post-war Black Sea operating environment. “One of the benefits the Ukrainian crews bring [to Black Sea operations] is they’re operating … close to home. You get familiar with that area more quickly,” he told Naval News. “I’m really interested in seeing, when we put their capability in the Black Sea to clear those mines, how quickly and effectively they do it in comparison to other countries.”
In a post-war Black Sea environment, the Ukrainian Navy could have the opportunity to integrate its MCM capability with Bulgaria, Romania, and Türkiye. In January 2024, these three countries established the Black Sea Mine Countermeasure Task Group (MCM Black Sea), reflecting NATO’s need for allies to establish regional (non-NATO) partnerships to counter regional risks at sea.
For ‘Sea Breeze’, Rear Adm Wall said “The navy has had these two MCMVs over the last two years or so, and they’ve been doing a lot of training. This exercise is perhaps the culmination of that, where they’re going to be tested, and they’re going to test their skills.” “The crews seem very capable,” he added.
Both officers underlined the importance of exercises and training for Ukraine’s MCM units, as the navy continues capability development in preparation for its post-war role.
“There’s no substitute for directly doing an operation, and finding mines in the Black Sea,” said Rear Adm Wall. “The next best thing would be a well-planned, co-ordinated exercise that really challenges [the crews’] experience and training, and forces them to get as close to that operation as possible.”
“There are no particular plans for using our vessels now: we just want to be ready for everything,” said Cdre Kovalenko. “Life shows that victory loves the training.”
