More than a dozen Ukrainians have already started three-week courses at a facility in southern England, learning how to handle and analyze data from the ships. The drones clean seabeds using sonar technology and will be used by the Ukrainian navy to detect explosive threats in the water. One sailor told Sky News that the drones “will be very useful for us to clear the sea area, especially in a very critical area, near Odessa”. He added: “Our primary mission is to detect these mines because it is very important not only for the military, but also for civilian ships, for civilian commerce.” As it stands, fully demining the coastline could take a decade, but for now, the focus is on returning to Ukraine with the skills to begin operating drones “immediately.” He added: “The whole nation, like a fist, we are strong.” The program is expected to be key to helping ships carrying grain out of the country safely. Exports from Black Sea ports resumed in early August after the lifting of Russia’s naval blockade – a blockade that has had devastating effects on the supply and price of grain around the world. However, exports are slow and eventually hampered by the threat of sea mines. Lord Admiral Alan West, Former First Sea Lord, told Sky News that underwater drones will be a game changer for the Ukrainian Navy. “They should be able to clear a main route from their ports very quickly. “This is very important because there is enormous pressure, global pressure, to start shifting what we might call the grain mountain. “And it’s not just grains, it’s also vegetable oil and corn. It affects hunger levels in large parts of the world where they are right on the brink of starvation. “These things need to start moving.” In total, six autonomous mine-hunting drones will be given to Ukraine by both the UK and the US. The training is provided by the Royal Navy’s Diving and Threat Exploitation Group together with the US Navy’s 6th Fleet. Sean Heaton, Commander of the Royal Navy Diving and Threat Exploitation Group, told Sky News: “Right now, the important thing is that these merchant ships can get in and out. Read more: Russian submarines are being monitored by the Royal Navy in the North Sea “And so for the Ukrainian navy to be able to do their own seabed research and understand exactly where the threats are is critical to what they do.” Despite the fact that the training was organized in a short period of time, he says the sailors were incredibly motivated and quick to learn. “Their excitement and energy levels to be able to learn and understand these skills is truly remarkable. “The fact that they know what that skill is going to give them when they get home is what drives them, so to partner with them and have the opportunity to work with them is a real privilege.” Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Russia’s cynical attempts to hold the world’s food supply to ransom must not be held. “This vital equipment and training will help Ukraine make its waters safe, help smooth the flow of grain to the rest of the world and support the Armed Forces of Ukraine as they try to defend their coasts and ports.”
