Dutch Minehunter Training for Ukrainian Crew Completed

A crew of 35 Ukrainians has completed training on board the Dutch minehunter Zr.Ms. Makkum, preparing them to operate the minehunter Vlaardingen, which was decommissioned earlier this year and will be transferred to Ukraine.

The training program, lasting over two months, took place on the Zr.Ms. Makkum before it was retired on November 25. NATO allies supported the program with instructors and interpreters, while technical personnel underwent separate training at the Navy Academy in Belgium.

The program involved intensive, hands-on instruction, as the ship sailed with a double crew to accommodate the trainees. With varying levels of experience among participants, the training plan was frequently adjusted to ensure effective skill development.

The Netherlands has committed both Zr.Ms. Makkum and Vlaardingen to Ukraine’s growing mine countermeasures fleet, joining Belgian and British contributions to bolster Ukraine’s ability to clear sea mines in the Black Sea.

Russian-laid mines in the region have created significant maritime safety challenges, which Ukraine aims to address post-conflict, as per the Dutch defense ministry.

Further training for the Ukrainian crew of Vlaardingen will occur prior to the vessel's formal transfer, though specific dates have yet to be announced.