Second Ada-class Corvette for Ukraine Laid Down in Turkey

Ukrainian Navy said the keel-laying ceremony for its second Ada-class corvette took place in Turkey’s Istanbul on Friday.

As per Turkish traditions, the ceremonial laying was held only after the construction of some of the sections and the hull.

The event was attended by a Ukrainian delegation with the participation of Vice Admiral Andrii Tarasov, and Deputy Defense Minister Volodymyr Havrylov.

In view of the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, the entire ship will be built in Turkey.

Ukraine’s defense ministry placed an order for two Ada-class corvettes in December 2020, per Ukrainian media.

Construction of the first corvette “Hetman Ivan Mazepa” began in September 2021.

The new corvette could be named after Hetman of the Ukrainian State Pavlo Skoropadskyi. This ship would receive a different propulsion system and MICA VL air defense systems.

The warship’s artillery armament is supposed to consist of 76-mm OTO Melara Super Rapid and 35-mm Millennium guns, although the Turkish 35-mm Korkut air defense system could be seen on the model of the first ship.

The ship carries eight anti-ship cruise missile launchers. It will be armed with Ukrainian Neptune, American Harpoon, Norwegian Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Turkish Atmaca. Murene 90 Impact torpedoes are being considered as anti-submarine weapons.

Ukrainian media reported that the warship has undergone modifications at the request of the Ukrainian Navy, the report said. Among these changes are the power plant and vertical launchers of MICA VL anti-aircraft missiles, which are located in the aft part of the ship.

The Ada-class corvette can carry out the determination, location, classification, identification and destruction of air, surface and underwater targets as well as provide naval gunfire support. In addition to avoiding any potential threats, corvettes can perform maritime operations such as maritime surveillance and patrols, coastal and infrastructure protection, and the supervision and surveillance of exclusive economic zones.