The Ukrainian Navy is Interested in Acquiring Patrol Ships
21 December, 2024 A Knud Rasmussen-class P570 patrol vessel P570, July 23, 2009. Photo credits: Frank Duffy The Ukrainian Navy is studying the possibility of acquiring five new multi-purpose patrol vessels made in Denmark.
This is stated in the Implementation Plan for the Maritime Security Strategy of Ukraine, which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are tasked with working with the Danish Ministry of Defense to build four MRPV multifunctional patrol vessels for the Ukrainian Navy. In addition, there is an intention to purchase another ship of the same type with search and rescue capabilities for the Maritime Search and Rescue Service of the Ministry of Infrastructure.
According to the published plan, the Navy Command expects to approve the contract in 2024-2026 by amending the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine. The specific type of vessels in which the Ukrainian Navy is interested is not mentioned. However, back in 2021, the Ukrainian government and the Naval Forces Command held a number of meetings with representatives of the Danish government on the joint construction of Knud Rasmussen-class patrol ships.
Meeting of the representatives of Denmark and Ukraine in Odesa. October 2021.
Photo credits: Ukrainian Navy
Knud Rasmussen class patrol vessels
Knud Rasmussen is a type of ocean-going patrol vessels of 2050 tons displacement, which have been built at the Danish shipyard Karstensens Skibsvaerft since 2008. They belong to the MRPV (Multirole Patrol Vessel) niche - multi-role patrol vessels focused on combat support missions while remaining in a reasonable size for widespread use in day-to-day operations as logistics and patrol vessels. This concept ensures operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness throughout the ship's life cycle.
The ship is capable of reaching a speed of 17 knots (31 km/h) and a range of 5,600 kilometers. For operations, it can carry two 7-meter rubber boats, as well as an SB90E boat in the inner dock. In addition, the helicopter deck can accommodate or refuel one helicopter.
The inner drydock of a Knud Rasmussen P570-class patrol ship, as well as the 7-meter RHIB boat at its side.
The main caliber of the Knud Rasmussen ships is represented by the bow 76 mm artillery unit Mk.
M/85 LvSa, which is complemented by two turrets with large-caliber machine guns. There is also the possibility of installing the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow anti-aircraft system, as well as launchers for MU90 light anti-submarine torpedoes.
A Knud Rasmussen class P570 patrol vessel. Photo credits: Anders Fridberg
The third and currently the last ship of the HDMS Lauge Koch series was ordered in 2013 and commissioned three years later.
The cost of its construction at that time was estimated at £76 million.