Romania acquires 2 former Royal Navy's Sandown class minehunters.

According to information published by the UK MoD on September 29, 2023, Romania has acquired two notable minehunters from the UK's Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA).
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Sandown class minehunter HMS Blyth. (Picture source: UK MoD)

HMS Blyth and HMS Pembroke, both Sandown Class Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs) renowned for their service with the Royal Navy, will now serve with the Romanian Navy.

HMS Blyth, decommissioned in 2021, has been handed over to the Romanian Navy this month. On the other hand, HMS Pembroke awaits its retirement in the coming spring before its transition. These ships, known for their extensive reach of over 2,500 nautical miles without refuelling, play a crucial role in detecting mines and explosives on the world's seabeds, ensuring the safety of crucial international shipping lanes.

Notably, both minehunters have received refurbishments in collaboration with Babcock. Post-acquisition, the Royal Navy will assist Romania with operator, maintainer, and collective training, ensuring a seamless transition of responsibilities.

HMS Blyth's distinguished service included stints in the Gulf and the Baltic Sea. Meanwhile, HMS Pembroke garnered accolades for the discovery and disposal of a Russian mine dating back to the First World War off Lithuania's coast.

Amid the current geopolitical climate, particularly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the importance of minehunters has surged, especially for Black Sea states. This move will enhance Romania's capacity to safeguard maritime communication lines, reinforcing its role as a pivotal NATO ally.

This sale to Romania is in line with DESA's history of strategic minehunter sales, which includes transfers to Lithuania, Estonia, Greece, and maritime contractor Harland & Wolff. DESA's current inventory includes HMS Penzane and HMS Bangor, both awaiting prospective buyers.

Context

This move underscores the necessity for enhanced maritime security, especially in detecting and neutralizing naval mines that could disrupt regional stability and commerce. The vessels, replete with high-definition sonar, can meticulously scan seabeds, identifying concealed mines even at varied depths.