For the first time in history, the Ukrainian Navy has been granted the right to command NATO forces engaged in maritime mine countermeasures. It was reported in a statement by the Ukrainian Navy.
"During the Ukrainian-American 'Sea Breeze 2026' exercises, the mine countermeasures headquarters of the 1st Mine Countermeasures Division of the Ukrainian Navy successfully passed a Level 2 evaluation according to NATO standards (NATO Evaluation Level, NEL-2). Based on the results of extensive inspections, the unit received the rating ‘Mission Capable’,” the statement reads.
The Navy explained that, in accordance with the guidance document “NATO Operational Capabilities Concept Assessment and Feedback Program,” the NEL-2 evaluation focuses not only on interoperability, as in the first level, but also on the unit’s full operational capability.
“Successful completion of this level confirms that the unit is capable of performing combat missions in accordance with the standards of the NATO Allied Command Operations Forces,” the military added.
Ukrainian-American “Sea Breeze 2026” exercises. Photo: Facebook/Ukrainian Navy
The Navy emphasized that, for the first time in the history of Ukraine’s modern navy, the unit has been officially integrated into NATO’s command and control system for maritime mine countermeasures.
"In other words, Ukraine now has the Alliance-certified capability to command and control subordinate multinational forces, interact at levels up to and including the NATO Standing Mine Countermeasures Group, and carry out the full spectrum of maritime mine countermeasures missions," the statement said.
Ukrainian-American “Sea Breeze 2026” exercises. Photo: Facebook/Ukrainian Navy
Military officials also noted that achieving “Mission Capable” status is a complex, multi-level process that requires a tremendous amount of work.
"Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, amid the active phase of the war, Ukrainian naval personnel have spent three years undergoing training, implementing Alliance doctrines, and acquiring the necessary capabilities. This achievement is yet another indisputable proof that the Armed Forces of Ukraine, specifically the Navy, are not only deterring the enemy but also continuing their relentless integration into the Euro-Atlantic security architecture on par with the world’s best navies,” military officials said.
The Navy also emphasized that the experience gained is invaluable, as there is still much work ahead to clear the Black and Azov Seas.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, the Ukrainian Navy previously destroyed the russian patrol ship “Izumrud,” which in November 2018 participated in an attack on Ukrainian boats and a tugboat in the Kerch Strait.
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