On July 17, 2024, the President of Ukraine approved the country's new Maritime Security Strategy, followed by the Action Plan of its implementation on November 22, publicly available in full text.
ArmyInform dedicated a separate article to this Plan. To put it briefly, Defense Express highlights two of its most notable provisions: the creation of a comprehensive stock of Neptune anti-ship missiles by next year and the potential order for two additional corvettes for the Ukrainian Navy.
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The Action Plan outlines the "increase in the production of Neptune anti-ship cruise missiles, including in cooperation with foreign enterprises and through the use of high-tech innovations" for the 2024-2025 period.
The key criterion for this initiative is that "the needs of the defense forces for anti-ship cruise missiles have been met, and appropriate reserves have been created, including in the interests of partner countries." Responsibility for implementation lies with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Strategic Industries.
The phrase "appropriate reserves, including in the interests of partner countries" is open to interpretation. Nonetheless, we should take a note as it may signal progress in Ukraine's production of domestic anti-ship missiles, potentially in cooperation with partner nations.
Other notable measures scheduled for 2024-2025 that would benefit from some more specifics are:
- The adoption of high-speed boats with strike capabilities into the Navy.
- The conclusion of agreements with leading Western manufacturers to ensure the joint production of unmanned naval systems and aerial drones for various purposes, based on identified needs.
While the second measure raises tactical questions, such as which manufacturers and unmanned systems are involved, the first is more complex. The term "high-speed boats with strike capabilities" remains undefined. It could refer to boats armed with short-range guided missiles or those equipped with conventional sea-based anti-ship missiles. And most importantly, the identity of the supplier is also unclear.
Regarding the plan to procure two additional corvettes for the Ukrainian Navy, the timeline for this initiative spans 2024-2026 for contract signing and 2026-2030 for ship delivery. ArmyInform speculates that these corvettes might be once again Turkish Ada-class vessels.
Additionally, the Action Plan includes the construction of four multifunctional patrol ships and one search and rescue vessel, with a timeframe set for 2024-2028.
Defense Express emphasizes that the development of the national fleet needs a balanced approach. This balance should combine "classic" surface forces, coastal missile systems, and naval drones.
Besides, any strategic goals aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s domestic defense industry — particularly through cooperation with Western partners — is a promising dynamic. However, attention must be paid to how well the provisions of the six-year Strategy are implemented in practice.
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