New Ukrainian Corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa nearing combat readiness
The Ukrainian Navy has released a unique recording confirming it conducts sea trials of its new armed forces vessel. According to plans, the Corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa is almost ready for combat and will enter service in the coming months.
The development of the Ukrainian corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa is gaining momentum. At the end of May this year, the Ukrainian ship, which was launched in October 2022, officially started its cycle of sea trials, which precede its commissioning into service. Now, the Communications Department of the Command of the Ukrainian Navy has released a new recording, serving as evidence that Hetman Ivan Mazepa is undergoing sea tests.
The portal Defense Express, which shares the mentioned video, emphasises the importance of the timing when the Ukrainian armed forces decided to release the material. The Ukrainians had claimed that the new Corvette would be inducted into service by 2024. Confirmation of the tests, therefore, serves as proof that the vessel is in its final stages before its official inclusion in Ukraine's arsenal.
The Corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa for Ukrainians
Defense Express highlights several details in the Ukrainian Navy department's new recording. First, the short film shows individuals in civilian clothes moving on the ship's deck—most likely employees of Turkish companies involved in the construction of the ship, the report reads.
Let's recall that Hetman Ivan Mazepa is a ship that was developed and produced in Turkey. The Turks and Pakistan ordered these Ada-type units. Ukraine is expected to receive two ships of this type.
Additionally, the short film reveals that the Corvette is still not fully equipped despite the ongoing sea trials. In particular, the helicopter landing pad on the ship's stern is not yet completed.
However, the recording also suggests that Hetman Ivan Mazepa has a Leonardo Super Rapid 3-inch gun and an Aselsan Gokdeniz 1.4-inch anti-aircraft gun. Elements suggesting the presence of anti-ship missiles of an unknown type are also visible (although it is unofficially said that they will be RGM-84 Harpoon or RK-360 Neptun) and MICA VL anti-aircraft missiles.
It is also known that the Ukrainian corvette measures nearly 328 feet in length and reaches speeds of around 21.7 knots, which is about 40 mph. The ship has a crew capacity of 100 people and a total displacement of 2,400 tonnes. With these dimensions, Hetman Ivan Mazepa will become the largest ship in the Ukrainian Navy's arsenal.
