Ukrainian Naval cadets gain NATO experience aboard Polish Training Ship ORP Wodnik.

According to information published by Usionline on July 22, 2024, Cadets from the Naval Institute of the National University "Odesa Maritime Academy" have been given a unique opportunity to undergo maritime training aboard the Polish training ship ORP Wodnik. This experience strengthens international ties between Ukraine and Poland.
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Wodnik-class training ship ORP Wodnik. (Picture source: Polish MoD)

Training aboard the Polish Navy vessel is a crucial element in the preparation of Ukrainian cadets. It provides them with invaluable experience in an international setting, allowing them to familiarize themselves with advanced NATO standards and practices.

Working alongside their Polish counterparts, the cadets develop skills in navigation, astronavigation, hydrometeorology, and maneuvering, which are essential components of their professional training.

The training ship ORP Wodnik boasts a rich history and extensive experience in military operations. Built for extended voyages and training missions, the vessel has trained thousands of cadets from the Polish Naval Academy and the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers' School. Notably, ORP Wodnik participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, serving as a hospital ship in the Persian Gulf.

Poland-Ukraine

Following Ukraine's independence in 1991, Poland emerged as one of its strongest supporters in Europe. This foundational support has included various forms of military aid and strategic cooperation, particularly highlighted during Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

One major aspect of this naval collaboration is Poland's provision of coastal defense systems to Ukraine. Poland has considered transferring elements of its Naval Strike Missile (NSM) coastal defense system, which includes missile launch vehicles, command vehicles, communication centers, and radar vehicles.

Beyond equipment transfers, the broader strategic and military cooperation between the two nations remains strong despite some recent political tensions. Poland has been a key transit point for Western military aid to Ukraine and has provided substantial military support, including ammunition and tanks.