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Netherlands Transfers an Alkmaar-Class Minehunter Makkum to Ukrainian Navy.
The Royal Netherlands Navy has officially decommissioned the Alkmaar-class minehunter HNLMS Makkum (M857), paving the way for its transfer to the Ukrainian Navy. This decision underscores the ongoing European military support for Ukraine amidst its current conflict.
The Alkmaar-class minehunters were jointly developed by Belgium, France, and the Netherlands based on the French Circé-class ships. (Picture source: Dutch Mod)
According to a statement from the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the vessel was retired following nearly 40 years of active service. During its operational tenure, Makkum participated in numerous naval exercises and successfully neutralized over 120 explosive devices in the North Sea, highlighting its critical role in maritime mine clearance.
This transfer is part of a broader agreement between the Netherlands and Ukraine, which also includes the minehunter HNLMS Vlaardingen (M863). The latter was decommissioned on March 27, 2024. Both ships will undergo technical maintenance and refurbishment before their official handover, which is scheduled to take place after Ukrainian crews complete their training, initiated in the latter half of 2023. Delivery is expected in 2025.
The decommissioning of Makkum and Vlaardingen aligns with the Royal Netherlands Navy's modernization program, which aims to replace its Alkmaar-class minehunters with six new Vlissingen-class vessels. These advanced ships, developed under the rMCM (replacement Mine Counter Measures) program, are expected to enter service beginning in late 2025, with the lead ship, Vlissingen (M840), marking a significant technological leap in naval mine warfare.
The Alkmaar-class minehunters were jointly developed by Belgium, France, and the Netherlands based on the French Circé-class ships. A total of 35 vessels were constructed between the 1980s and 1990s for the three navies, with each country responsible for specific components. France provided the mine countermeasure systems and electronics, the Netherlands contributed propulsion systems, and Belgium delivered power generation systems.
Initially, the Alkmaar-class ships for the Dutch fleet mirrored their Belgian and French counterparts, featuring a standard displacement of 520 tons. Subsequent modifications increased their displacement to 571 tons and later to 630 tons. Notably, the Dutch minehunters were stripped of their originally planned 20mm guns, retaining only three 12.7mm machine guns for self-defense.
The minehunter Makkum is crewed by four officers, 15 non-commissioned officers, and 17 enlisted personnel. Since 2003, the Alkmaar-class ships have undergone significant modernization efforts, including the integration of the Atlas Elektronik INCMS combat data system, Thales 2022 Mk III sonar, and the Atlas Seafox and Double Eagle Mk III Mod 1 remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for mine identification and disposal. These upgrades have enhanced their capabilities, enabling them to operate as both mine countermeasure vessels and logistics support ships for transporting supplies and ammunition.
The transfer of Makkum and Vlaardingen to Ukraine represents a critical enhancement of the Ukrainian Navy's capabilities, particularly in ensuring safe navigation and countering mine threats in contested waters. This initiative further solidifies the Netherlands' commitment to bolstering Ukraine's naval defense in the face of ongoing challenges.