The Ukrainian Navy joins the Joint Warrior exercises

23 October, 2023 Chernihiv (M310) minesweeper in the waters of Great Britain, October 23, 2023. Photo credits: Ukrainian Navy Ukrainian sailors have joined the Joint Warrior international exercises, taking place in UK waters.

This was reported by the press service of the Ukrainian Navy. This week, Ukrainian sailors have begun practical actions and maneuvers as part of the Joint Warrior-23-II exercises, which are held within the territorial waters of Great Britain. From the naval forces of Ukraine, the headquarters of the tactical mine action group and the Cherkasy and Chernihiv minesweepers were involved.

Minesweepers in British waters, October 23, 2023. Photo credits: Ukrainian Navy

It is worth noting that Ukrainian ships are sailing under the flag of the UK, although having the flag of the Ukrainian Navy at the same time. The absence of the Ukrainian flag on the ships may be explained by the fact that they are still part of the British fleet, although they were transferred to Ukraine.

This could be due to the basing of ships in British ports, and, accordingly, operational subordination to the local admiralty.

Cherkasy (M311) minesweeper in the waters of Great Britain, October 23, 2023. Photo credits: Ukrainian Navy

This is not the first such phenomenon in world history. Similarly, in November 1939, the Polish fleet, without the possibility of returning to its own ports due to the occupation of the country, was forced to relocate to the United Kingdom.

Then, according to the Polish-British naval agreement, the Polish naval detachment was commanded by Polish officers, the ships were equipped with Polish crews in Polish uniforms and insignia in ranks and were subject to Polish regulation, at the same time being under the operational control of the British Admiralty. The ships sailed under the state flags of the Polish Navy and the United Kingdom.

Training of the Ukrainian Navy

The report notes that participation in the exercises takes place in the framework of comprehensive training of these Ukrainian units under the leadership of mentors of the Royal Navy of Great Britain. The main purpose of the training is for the personnel of the crews and the headquarters of the tactical mine action group to achieve the appropriate level of readiness for the execution of tasks as intended, as well as interoperability with the mine units of the partner countries.

In addition, the issues of planning and conducting mine action according to NATO standards are being worked out. The aim is to gain experience in the international environment during joint multinational operations.

Chernihiv (M310) minesweeper in the waters of Great Britain, October 23, 2023. Photo credits: Ukrainian Navy

The participants included the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force together with the British ground forces.

Also, in addition to Ukraine, ships and vessels from the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Germany, and Denmark take part in the exercises.