Ukraine plans to acquire 2 more Ada-class corvettes from Türkiye
Ukraine's Ada-class corvette built by Türkiye during its trial. (X Photo)
Ukraine has announced plans to acquire two additional corvettes for its navy as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster maritime security and defense capabilities in the Black and Azov Seas.
The decision was formalized in the Implementation Plan of Ukraine’s Maritime Security Strategy, approved by the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers on Nov. 22.
The plan outlines a 2024–2026 timeline for Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense to secure an international contract for the construction of the two corvettes, signaling a long-term commitment to enhancing naval strength.
Timeline expected
According to the plan, the contract is expected to be finalized between 2024 and 2026, with the construction and delivery of the ships projected to extend through 2026 to 2030.
While specific details about the corvette models or contractors have not been officially disclosed, speculation suggests that the vessels will likely be Ada-class corvettes built in collaboration with Turkish defense companies.
This assumption stems from Ukraine‘s existing contracts with Turkish shipbuilders for two similar Ada-class corvettes, currently under construction.
Strategic importance of new corvettes
The acquisition of these additional vessels is intended to enhance Ukraine’s naval capabilities significantly, particularly in defending its marvel borders and protecting national interestst in the Black and Azov Seas.
These corvettes are expected to serve as multi-role platforms, capable of performing a range of missions, including:
- Maritime surveillance and reconnaissance
- Anti-submarine warfare
- Air defense operations
- Surface combat missions
The expansion of Ukraine’s naval fleet comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing conflict with Russia, highlighting the strategic importance of maritime defense.
Ada-class corvette
The Ada-class corvette is a type of warship with a displacement of 2,300 long tons (2,300 t) and a length of 99.56 meters ( 8 feet). It has a beam of 14.40 meters (47 feet 3 inches)) and a draft of 3.89 m (12 ft 9 in).
The corvette is powered by a CODAG system consisting of one gas turbine and two diesel engines, which provide a maximum speed of 29 knots (54 km/h; 33 mph) and an economy speed of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).
The ship has a range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km; 4,000 mi) at 15 knots and an endurance of up to 21 days with logistic support or 10 days autonomously.
The Ada-class corvette has a crew of 93, including aviation officers, and can accommodate up to 106 people. Her sensor and processing systems include the GENESIS CMS, SMART-S Mk2 search radar, sonar, GPS, LAN, ECDIS, and UniMACS 3000 IPMS.
The ship is also equipped with an X-band radar, fire control radar, electronic warfare systems, and decoys such as the Aselsan ARES-2N, laser/RF systems, ASW jammers and SSTD.
In terms of armament, the corvette has a 76 mm (3 in) OTO Melara Super Rapid gun, a 35 mm Aselsan GOKDENIZ gun, and two 12.7 mm Aselsan STAMP guns.
It also has eight Harpoon anti-surface missiles, VL MICA-M anti-aircraft missiles, and two 324 mm MU90 torpedoes. The Ada-class corvette has a hangar and platform for S-70B Seahawk ASW helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as the capability to store armaments, 20 tons of JP-5 aircraft fuel, aerial refueling (HIRF), and maintenance systems.
Previous contracts, estimated costing
In December 2020, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Turkish companies for the construction of the first two Ada-class corvettes, designated F211 and F212. Although the official cost was not disclosed, sources, including Defense News, reported an estimated price of €200 million ($208.6 million) at the time of signing.
Additional data from state funding records revealed that the construction of the lead ship, F211 Hetman Ivan Mazepa, received UAH 3.8 billion (approximately $90.6 million) in 2021.
However, these figures represent only a portion of the overall costs, as they exclude advanced weapons systems, including anti-aircraft missile systems and anti-ship missile platforms, which were selected after the contract signing.
For context, a similar contract signed by Malaysia for three Ada-class corvettes in 2023 totaled approximately $530 million, averaging around $176 million per vessel.
