This article is currently affected by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Any given information provided here may become quickly dated or inaccurate due to the developing situation. Be aware that truly accurate information may not be available until the war is over. If a ship was confirmed to have been lost in combat, PLEASE move it HERE. |
The article's lead section may need to be rewritten. The reason given is: too much detail - please rewrite to summarize the article. (September 2023) |
Ukrainian Naval Forces | |
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Військово-морські сили Збройних сил України, ВМС ЗСУ | |
Active | 1917–1921 1992–present |
Country | Ukraine |
Type | Navy |
Role | Naval warfare |
Size | 11.000 (2022)[1] |
Part of | Armed Forces of Ukraine |
Garrison/HQ | Odesa |
Colors | Blue Gold |
March | March of the VMS of Ukraine (Марш ВМС України)[2] |
Anniversaries | Navy Day[3][4][5][6] |
Battle honours | |
Website | navy |
Commanders | |
Commander | Vice Admiral[7] Oleksiy Neizhpapa[8] |
Insignia | |
Ensign | |
Jack | |
Pennant | |
Shoulder sleeve insignia[a] |
The Ukrainian Navy (Ukrainian: Військово-морські сили Збройних сил України, ВМС ЗСУ, romanized: Viiskovo–morski syly Zbroinykh syl Ukrainy, VMS ZSU, lit. 'Military Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine') is the maritime forces of Ukraine and one of the eight service branches of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The naval forces consist of five components – surface forces, submarine forces, naval aviation, coastal rocket-artillery and naval infantry.[9] In 2022, the Ukrainian navy had 15,000 personnel, including 6,000 naval infantry.[1]
The headquarters of the Ukrainian Naval Forces was, until the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, located at Sevastopol in Crimea.[9]
Ukraine had been scheduling to rebuild its naval forces since 2005[10][11] by building the domestic project 58250, the first Ukrainian designed and built corvette, as well as ordering four patrol boats in 2013 from Willard Marine.[12][13] Ukraine has also restarted the production of its Gryuza River Armed Artillery Boat.[14]
The navy previously operated in the Black Sea basin (including the Sea of Azov and Danube Delta). However, Russia has since gained complete control of the Sea of Azov and significant control of the Black Sea during the ongoing conflict.[9] Distant operations of the Ukrainian Navy are limited to multinational activities, such as Operation Active Endeavour and Operation Atalanta in the Mediterranean and Horn of Africa.
The Ukrainian flagship was scuttled in March 2022 during Russia's invasion to prevent its capture, and Russia's navy blocked Ukraine's access to the Black Sea.[15] This was overcome by using sea drones.[16][17]
During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine has been frequently described as 'not having a navy' due to having no warships.[18][19][20]
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