Defense Express: Island-class boats will receive Bushmaster cannons and Hydra II missiles
Photo: Paul Hanna / Reuters
In 2022, the Ukrainian Naval Forces (Naval Forces) will begin assembling American-made weapons on Island-class boats. Naval Forces Commander Alexei Neizhpapa spoke about the new weapons. It is reported by Defense Express.
The commander noted that the Island-class boats will receive 30-millimeter artillery mounts and missiles. “Now we have a final decision on their completion, some ammunition has already been received, so next year we will start installing these systems on all five boats,” Neizhpapa said.
The publication notes that the boats can receive artillery mounts Bushmaster II Mk44 caliber 30 millimeters. The cannon armament will complement the APKWS complex with the Hydra 70 guided missiles.
Neizhpapa said that the Ukrainian fleet should receive five Island-class boats and 12 Mark VI-class boats.
In August, Defense News reported on donations to the Navy. The publication noted that the United States has pledged to donate 5 Island-class boats under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.
In October 2019, the Ocean Freedom vessel delivered two decommissioned Island-class patrol boats to the port of Odessa. The ship handover ceremony was held in March 2018.
