US to Sell Armed Patrol Motor Boats to Ukraine

Ukraine will strengthen its defence capabilities at sea with American patrol boats. The United States has approved the supply of up to 16 Mark VI patrol motor boats, weapons and the related equipment for the total amount of $ 600 million.

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, six motor boats will be delivered as a part of security assistance under the relevant programmes. The rest of the boats can be purchased by the Ukrainian government optionally.

The Ukrainian foreign policy Head suggested that the state would be able to use the motor boats to “counter existing and potential threats in the Black and Azov Seas.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Mark VI class patrol boats are extremely high-speed boats designed exactly to patrol coastal sea areas and protect port infrastructure.

The motor boat speed can reach up to 63 km / h.

The equipment will also be provided with modern facilities, in particular, MSI Seahawk A2 and MK 44 gun systems.

The Ukrainian military will be able to install short-range missile systems on Mark VI boats to destroy enemy ships.

Bohdan Marusyak