In Kiev profit American partners, to discuss with the Ukrainian side question the future contract for the supply of the United States b / a class patrol boats Island, who had previously been in service with the US Coast Guard. In the Command Naval Forces of Ukraine (Ukrainian Navy) noted, that with the United States are in the process of discussion of the contract parameters.
Ukrainian side was represented by deputy commander of the Naval Forces of Ukraine Andrey Tarasov, and the US - members of the US Coast Guard Command.
In particular, noted, that one of the topics to be discussed is the topic, dedicated transport boats from the United States to Ukraine. According to some reports, US ready to transfer several boats Island in a US port, and then Ukraine must itself ensure that, they get to the port of Odessa and Mariupol. In Kiev, they say, that without American aid to transport boats across the Atlantic and the Mediterranean from Naval Forces of Ukraine will not work.
It is also a complex issue and it remains, in the future it will be carried out maintenance of patrol boats American production. In Ukraine understand, that court is not new, and therefore obviously have to be invested in the purchase of components already in the first stage of operation. In this case, immediately make it clear, that the funds for the full maintenance of boats in Kiev there is no. No funds from Kiev and re-entry of boats followed the procedure of installation of the necessary equipment. The thing is, that the boat, that the US is going to "give" Ukraine, conserved a few years ago and actually prepared for recycling.
For reference: Island boats were built in the period from 1985 by 1992 gg. displacement - 169 t, length 34 m. Maximum speed - about 29,5 knots. crew - 16 human. Autonomy - up 5 day. On arms have a 25 mm automatic cannon gun mount Mk 38 Mod0 Bushmaster and two machine guns caliber M2NV 12,7 mm.
