Ukrainian Navy Engaged 29 Domestic Companies in Corvette Construction

31.01.2012 Ukrainian defense minister Mikhail Yezhel is about to ask the Cabinet of Ministers to speed up investment of the first Ukrainian corvette's construction.

According to UNIAN, the minister said that at the closed corvette-financing meeting held in Nikolayev.

Reason for convening the meeting was UAH 433 mln appropriated in 2012 for construction of the first corvette, explained Yezhel.

He specified that the ministry would prepare a request to the Cabinet of Ministers with a view to provide UAH 200 mln in the first half of 2012 for continuous rhythm of works.

According to the minister, further receipt of funds may be performed on schedule.

Issues to be resolved at the Cabinet's level were determined at the meeting, said Yezhel.

As for him, to provide coordination among all companies and authorities participating in the project implementation, a special inter-agency structure must be established at the governmental level.

"We should stand by schedule of the corvette construction works, and coordination is vital here", emphasized the Ukrainian defense minister.

He pointed out that 29 Ukrainian companies would be involved in the corvette building program.

The resolution of Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers founding a state defense-oriented shipbuilding program of Project 58250 corvettes was adopted on Nov 9, 2011.

The purpose is construction and use of corvettes which presence in Ukrainian Navy would contribute to national security and protection of state interests at sea, revival of shipbuilding and associated defense industries, and improvement of Ukraine's export capabilities.

Approximate scope of the program financing exceeds UAH 16 bln.

First corvette named Vladimir Veliky was laid down by Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovich in May 2011 at Chernomorsky Shipyard (Nikolayev).

It is planned to deliver the lead corvette in 2016.

Concept of the defense program implies construction of four corvettes to join Ukrainian Navy by 2021.