Ukrainian Navy earns NATO certification to command multinational mine‑countermeasures

The Ukrainian Navy announced that it received NATO certification after completing the Level‑2 NATO Evaluation (NEL‑2) during the Sea Breeze 2026 exercise. The assessment awarded a “Mission Capable” rating, confirming the navy’s ability to command multinational mine‑countermeasure forces, operate with NATO’s standing mine‑countermeasure groups, and conduct the full spectrum of maritime mine‑clearance missions, particularly in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The certification was achieved after three years of training amid Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia and follows the donation of several mine‑hunter vessels from NATO allies. Sea Breeze 2026 involved 16 nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and others, demonstrating enhanced interoperability and support for future mine‑clearance operations.

The rating strengthens Ukraine’s operational integration with NATO, enabling it to lead allied forces in mine‑countermeasure tasks and improve maritime safety in contested waters.