The agreement will allow the implantation of the state’s investment projects of procurement from the British purveyors in 2022-2023, and the joint production with a total amount of 1.7 billion pounds ($2.3 billion) – Ukrainian MOD reports.
The bill was supported by 275 deputies in the final voting on January 27.
Read more: Ukrainian Navy Commander Confirms Future Procurements Including Ada-Class Corvettes
‘We are building up our Navy considering modern and perspective approaches, perspective conceptions and technologies. In this context, the Verkhovna Rada’s ratification of the framework agreement between the Ukrainian Government and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland is of great importance. Basically, it is a start of our joint projects on the development of capabilities of the Ukrainian Navy, and, no less important, a protection of economic interests of our country by free navigation,’ stated Deputy Minister of Defence Oleksandr Polishchuk commenting the event.
According to Oleksandr Polishchuk, the ratified document is aimed at realisation of refurbishment of the Ukrainian Navy that will allow effectively carrying out task of protecting the national interest and guaranteeing security in the waters of the Black and Azov seas during the Russian aggression on the East of Ukraine.
The framework agreement between the Ukrainian Government and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland particularly envisages financing a British investment project to provide Ukraine with two minesweepers, as well as to ensure their maintenance and transferring. Earlier, the Royal Navy declared providing Ukraine with two decommissioned Sandown-class ships, HMS Blyth and HMS Ramsey, with the first vessels expected to be handed over in 2022.
The 10-year loan also finances the production of eight new gunboats, two of them being manufactured in Britain and the rest in Ukraine.
Besides, the agreement envisages a joint production of a frigate for Ukraine, as well as the support in installing new naval infrastructure.
As Defense Express reported, Ukrainian and US intelligence indicates Russia preparing operation to justify invasion of Ukraine. At the same time USA approved additional $200 mln in security aid to Ukraine and several planeloads of U.S. military aid landed at Boryspil airport in Ukraine.
Read more: Neptun anti-ship missile system: key details of the newest Ukrainian armament
