Dutch Minehunter Meant for Ukraine Clears WWII Aircraft Bomb in North Sea

The Dutch minehunter Makkum, which the country plans to send to Ukraine to support its efforts against Russia, cleared a 500-pound aircraft bomb from the Second World War on April 12 in the North Sea.

The projectile was located 30 nautical miles west of IJmuiden. Next week, the ship will clear another aircraft bomb near The Hague.

The Makkum is currently on a farewell tour as it is expected to be retired at the end of this year. As part of this tour, the ship will visit the Frisian village of Makkum this weekend, where it will moor in the outer harbor.

In the long term, the Makkum will be transferred to Ukraine. The Dutch Navy is currently training Ukrainian personnel to ensure they are proficient in operating the ship and its procedures. Additionally, Vlaardingen will also be sent to Ukraine. Both ships are being replaced by new mine countermeasures vessels, with the first of these expected to enter service in 2025.

The Dutch navy continues to use minehunters regularly due to the substantial number of mines, aircraft bombs, and other remnants of ammunition in the North Sea alone. These date not only from the Second World War but also from the First World War. Typically, these objects are discovered by fishermen who then report their findings to the coast guard. Subsequently, minehunters are deployed to disarm the projectiles.

Moreover, minehunters are frequently part of NATO's rapidly deployable fleets. For instance, Zierikzee is currently active within the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1.