Dozens of Ukrainian servicemen will be taught to use the autonomous mine hunting vehicles by the Royal Navy and US partners in the coming months, with some already starting their training. Six autonomous mine hunting vehicles are dispatched to search for Russian mines in the waters off its coast. Three vehicles are to be sent from UK stock while a further three will be purchased from industry. The light autonomous vehicles can be used in shallow coastal environments and are designed to operate at depths of up to 100 meters to detect, detect and locate mines through the use of an array of sensors. The move comes as Russia seizes food through a blockade of Black Sea ports to prevent exports while ravaging Ukrainian agriculture, which has hit the world’s poorest people as food prices rise. Only a few ships carrying grain managed to leave Ukraine after a UN-brokered deal in July that would have allowed food exports. However, efforts to export food from the country continue to be hampered by sea mines laid by Russian forces along Ukraine’s coast. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Russia’s cynical attempts to hold the world’s food to ransom must not be allowed to succeed. “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 Ukraine’s armed forces as they try to defend their coasts and ports.” The Royal Navy’s Diving & Threat Exploitation Team will work with the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet as it conducts the three-week training course required to operate the light autonomous vehicles. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The DTEG will conduct training at sea to operate the ships and interpret the data they send back to detect false mines. Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, said: “Through the specialist skills taught here, our Ukrainian allies will be able to clear their waters of their mines. These weapons indiscriminately target shipping, but particularly affect urban traffic and commerce and have had a devastating impact on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. “This training is another strong demonstration of the UK’s continued commitment to Ukraine in its fight to defend its country and repel Russian aggression.” The Royal Navy is also training Ukrainian sailors to operate Sandown Class Minehunter vessels.
