Ukraine is moving closer to NATO even without formal membership. Two Ukrainian mine countermeasure vessels, Cherkasy and Chernihiv, have passed the Alliance’s Level 1 certification, Ukraine’s Naval Forces report. 

“We still have to move forward with our naval fleet, but we are developing rapidly, even amid war,” says Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa.

The Maritime Capability Coalition, launched under the leadership of the UK and Norway, has already united 19 countries to help turn Ukraine’s Armed Forces into a naval force in Europe.

One of Ukraine’s most ambitious projects is the construction of Corvette-class ships. However, it is a technically and financially complex challenge: building one vessel takes 3 to 6 years, and another 1 to 2 years are needed for full combat integration.

“This is a major challenge for Ukraine, considering the war and limited budget. Some criticize these decisions, but the future of our fleet is strong, and it is already taking shape,” Neizhpapa explains.

Ukraine also proudly boasts the largest Marine Corps in Europe, which has already proven its effectiveness on the front lines.

“It’s important that our partners see how we fight at sea and learn from our experience,” concludes the Navy Commander.

Earlier, Ukraine upgraded its sea-based Katran drone with strike capabilities reaching targets up to 100 kilometers away, according to Ukraine’s HUR military intelligence.

The unmanned vessel, originally designed as a kamikaze platform, evolved into a strategic multi-role system capable of deep and extended operations. The drone can operate for up to six days on water and reach targets as far as 3000 kilometers, nearly tripling the publicly stated range of 1,000 kilometers that had been reported back in March.