Within the programme,
the UK government agreed to help Ukraine rebuild its navy. Initially, it was
speculated that FIAC vessels based on the Vosper Thornycroft-designed Barzan
class could be built in the United Kingdom, possibly at the Appledore shipyard. Following that, the UNCEP designated Babcock
as Ukraine’s designated prime industrial partner, and they will bring in SMEs
to contribute as needed.
According to industry
sources, BAE Systems, which had inherited the Barzan design’s intellectual
property, was willing to donate it to other UK shipbuilders on an “as
seen” basis. However, Babcock deemed the Barzan unsuitable, owing in part
to the disadvantages of its aluminium hull. FBM Marine, which was acquired in
2000, had a portfolio of small-medium size fast patrol ship designs under the
‘Protector’ brand developed in the late 1990s. A total of eight FIACs will be
built for Ukraine, each of which will be based on a modified and updated
50-meter Protector design (P50-U).
UNCEP is based on UK
export finance in the form of a loan to the Ukrainian government and will
include British-made equipment as much as possible and Ukrainian and
other foreign content as needed. The precise weapon and sensor fit have yet to
be determined. Still, the P50-U will likely feature a small-medium calibre main
gun, eight canister-launched anti-ship missiles and a lightweight surface to
air missile system.
