In a move underscoring the military ties between Ukraine and Türkiye, First Lady Olena Zelenska christened the second Ada-class corvette for the Ukrainian Navy.
The vessel, “Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi,” marks a boost to the Ukrainian Navy’s capabilities as it seeks to defend its maritime borders and assert its presence in international waters.
In a ceremony, the Ada-class corvette “Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi” was launched in Türkiye on August 2, 2024. The event, graced by Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska, highlighted the growing military partnership between the two nations amid escalating regional security challenges.
Türkiye has hosted talks with Russia and Ukraine, including a grain export deal, indicating Türkiye may mediate in the conflict, highlighted GlobalData’s intelligence on the Turkish defence market.
The corvette, constructed at a Turkish shipyard, is the second to be built for the Ukrainian Navy under a 2020 bilateral agreement to enhance Kyiv’s naval defences.
“We understand the importance of security better than anyone,” Zelenska stated during the ceremony. Her words reflect Ukraine’s heightened awareness of maritime security, particularly in light of ongoing tensions in the Black Sea region. Zelenska emphasised that the corvette would contribute to the safety of the “shared region,” a pointed reference to the Black and Azov Seas, where Russian naval activity has intensified since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
The construction of “Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi” is part of Ukraine’s strategy to expand its naval footprint beyond its immediate territorial waters.
The Zelenska also took the opportunity to revisit the first corvette of this class, “Hetman Ivan Mazepa,” which was launched in October 2022 and is currently undergoing sea trials.
According to GlobalData’s “The Global Naval Vessels and Surface Combatants Market 2023-2033” report, The global market for corvettes was valued at $3.2bn in 2023 and is projected to register a CAGR of 5.5% to reach $5.5bn in 2033.
The launch of “Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi” is critical for the Ukrainian Navy, which continues to fend off Russian aggression on multiple fronts. Strengthening naval capabilities is essential for countering direct military threats and ensuring the security of Ukraine’s maritime trade routes, which are vital for the country’s economy.
The partnership with Türkiye sees both countries facing pressures from Russia and sharing concerns over regional stability. The Ada-class corvettes, with their technology and capabilities, represent an upgrade for the Ukrainian Navy’s forces, which have struggled to modernise since the Soviet era.
