Ukraine prepares to commission its largest warship
The Ukrainian Navy has released a video of sea trials for the corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa. The vessel, nearing readiness for service, will become the largest warship in the Ukrainian fleet.
Construction of the corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa began prior to the outbreak of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict. It continued uninterrupted, as the ship is being built in Turkey. This ensured there were no complications in launching the vessel (in October 2022) or starting sea trials (in Turkish-controlled waters). In July 2024, the Ukrainians tested the ship's armaments, and have now released footage featuring the use of the helipad fitted to the corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa.
Further sea trials of the corvette Hetman Iwan Mazepa
Hetman Ivan Mazepa is a corvette classified as part of the Ada-class vessels, developed in Turkey for the navies of various countries. Ukraine will eventually take delivery of two such vessels. They will be the largest warships in Ukraine’s fleet—Hetman Ivan Mazepa is about 100 metres long and has a displacement of approximately 2,700 tonnes.
During sea trials focusing on the "air wing," a Turkish SH-60 Seahawk helicopter participated. This is a multi-mission naval helicopter, developed in the United States, and measures around 15 metres in length. At present, it is unclear which helicopters the Ukrainians plan to use on their corvettes.
The largest Ukrainian warship
The 100-metre-long corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa can reach speeds of about 35 knots (approximately 65 km/h). The crew will consist of 93 officers and sailors, with provision for an increase of about a dozen more crew members. The vessel has an autonomy of up to 10 days.
The new Ukrainian ship is expected to be well-armed, although full details have not been disclosed. It is known, however, that the deck will include a 76 mm OTO Melara naval gun, torpedo launchers, and launchers for anti-ship missiles (likely RGM-84 Harpoon or RK-360 Neptun) and anti-aircraft missiles.
