The second Ukrainian MİLGEM corvette, Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi (F-212) was launched in Istanbul. The first Ukrainian MİLGEM, Hetman Ivan Mazepa (F-211) was launched in 2022. The second ship alongside Hetman Ivan Mazepa will be Ukraine's first full-sized surface combatants with their firepower and sensors surpassing that of gunboats and patrol vessels.
The corvettes are being built for the Ukrainian Navy as multi-purpose warships with air defence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The ships' armament includes a 76 mm naval gun, GÖKDENİZ-100/35SA CIWS, 12 MICA VL SAMs, eight anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
Ukraine has been relying on land-based anti-ship missiles and kamikaze USVs as the main deterrence against the Russian Black Sea Fleet during the war. MİLGEM corvettes won't only act as attack platforms but also as observation and defence platforms. This is important to facilitate maritime control as munition-based A2/AD tactics only keep the enemy away without establishing a presence.
